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Fox Picks Up Sam Raimi's The Shadow, David Slade to Direct?

by Alex Billington
March 3, 2010
Source: Latino Review

Way back in 2006, Sam Raimi picked up the rights from Street and Smith Publications to bring the classic pulp comic The Shadow to the big screen again. As most of you know, The Shadow was originally brought to the big screen by Russell Mulcahy, and starring Alec Baldwin, back in 1994. But in January of this year, we reported a rumor saying that Raimi was interesting in potentially directing The Shadow, but that seemed like it would be unliekly. Now Latino Review is reporting that Fox has picked up The Shadow for around $1 million and Raimi is attaching David Slade, of 30 Days of Night and Eclipse, as director for the time being.

For those who don't know anything about The Shadow, he's a crime-fighting vigilante with psychic powers. He wears a black, crimson-lined cloak with an upturned collar (that protects his face) over a standard black suit and was even voiced by Orson Welles on the radio in 1937 and 1938. Apparently Raimi never finished a script when he first optioned it, but I guess he still put together a pitch. David Slade worked with Raimi on 30 Days of Night, which was a Ghost House Pictures production, and is also why he's now on The Shadow. They don't say much more about this yet, but it sounds like a solid project and I'm definitely interested.

I'm not inherently excited for a Shadow movie, but I guess I'd like to see this come together anyway. I don't know if Slade's involvement means we'll get anything R-rated, but I do like that they're using a director with some experience. We'll keep you updated on this anyway! Anyone out there a big fan of The Shadow?

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Related categories: Hype, Movie News, Opinions

killermachine

With Fox involved, they will only ruin the movie. I expect nothing good in the end.
LC

Im interested in the project also, and im curious to see what Raimi will develop with David Slade. I kind of remember the movie "The Shadow" when i was younger but i dont recall that much. The shadow seems like an interesting character to portray on screen, but only if done properly. The character i think has a more serious tone and will attract audiences who like a more "dark" theme which became more popular after Nolan "Dark Knight."
Whale Master

The Shadow would be a terrific property on which to base a movie, given the subject matter was treated seriously. Granted, we're talking about a pulp/comic book character, but who says comic book characters can't make for good movies. As evidenced by recent history, comic book movies have proven to be like comedies, westerns, action, thrillers, horror, sci-fi, military, historical, and any other type of movies you care to name: some are great and some are terrible. I personally believe that a good movie, comic book or otherwise, begins and ends with the writing. A great script is the foundation upon which the entire movie rests. A Shadow movie would be no different. Take a que from the recent Batman series and even Iron Man. While being their own movies, all 3 are true to the source material, and cast and crew alike took it seriously. Did they make modern classics? Maybe not. Did they make movies that were compelling, entertaining, and commercially viable? Certainly. If it were up to me, the Shadow would be a vey serious period piece, with lots of mood, mystery, atmosphere, and hard hitting action. The Shadow was, after all, a merciless crusader against crime. He used psychological warfare, terror tactics, paranormal powers, a network of spies and informants, and large caliber weapons to wipe out crime where ever he found it. He was a direct influence on the creation of Batman, and its no coincidence that the early Batman exhibited many of the same characteristics, including the use of .45 caliber pistols. (Yes, Batman didn't always have such a phobia about guns.) The latest Batman movies are proof that a similar character from the same period could be made into just as compelling a movie. Just leave the camp/tongue-in-cheek material at the door.
People's Champ

I seen the 94 Shadow when it came out and it was totally forgettable. But I'm willing to give a reboot a chance.
Loser

Liam Neeson as the Shadow
http://palepicturehouse.wordpress.com Pale Paul

I did a double take at this headline because for a second I honestly thought it said "David SPADE to Direct" That would have been interesting.
http://www.firstshowing.net Alex Billington

#5 - What an awesome idea... I'm totally down for that! Would love to see it happen.
Armitage

No one remembered The Shadow back in 1994... so no one cared. Why care now?
SlashBeast

Wow, Slade's turned into a real schill. First Twilight, now this.