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Rumor: Sam Raimi Wants to Direct Adaptation of The Shadow

by Ethan Anderton
January 29, 2010
Source: IESB

Though the crimson-scarfed character who started on old time radio has seen countless adaptations into pulp fiction, comic books, comic strips, TV shows and several motion pictures, The Shadow, isn't exactly the most popular or well known of fictional heroes. But that doesn't mean he isn't the most kick-ass, scarf-donning mofo out there. The last incarnation of The Shadow saw Alec Baldwin putting on the trench coat and hat back in 1994, but now IESB reports that the newest adaptation has Sam Raimi (who was already on board to produce for Sony) wanting it to be his next directing gig too, rather than World of Warcraft.

Along with this report comes a more in-depth script review (not really spoiler filled if you're concerned) and the only problem (which could just as easily be used to its advantage) is the stark similarity to darker toned comic adaptations like Batman Begins and Wanted. Apparently it could be considered more of the same, but the tone of the script is certainly dark and R-rated as IESB says, "There is nudity and some brutal fight scenes. A man thrown into meat grinder and coming out as ground beef on the other side. Broken bones at every turn. Body parts strewn around a train station. Hookers servicing males." So good fun for the whole family. In addition this review seems to debunk the once-mentioned involvement of multiple Shadows.

This is a project that has been in the works since 2006, but obviously Spider-Man was a bigger focus for the studio. Now that Raimi is free from the reigns of the web-slinger, he's anxious to get back into the director's chair, and if he has his way, he'll take The Shadow before he does World of Warcraft. This makes sense since the script for The Shadow has been done, and even has multiple drafts (as IESB's accompanying script review eludes to) while Warcraft only just hired a screenwriter last October. As someone who loved The Shadow even as a kid back in 1994, I would love to see Raimi tackle the character. He's already shown how dedicated and respectful he is to comic book mythology, so you know he'll do The Shadow justice. But who knows if Sony will let Raimi do it. Do you want Raimi to take on The Shadow or Warcraft next?

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JCal

Hells Yeah! This is one remake I am all for. The Shadow with Alec Baldwin was one of my favorite movies when I was a kid (that a TMNT) and in many ways it still is one of my favs. It would be great to see this using all the modern day film technology. Bring it on! "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow Knows! Hahaha (sinister heroic laugh)" Alec Baldwin is the man!
B&B

I'm tired of comic book/comic themed/comic like movies I would rather see World of Warcraft even though I never played the game, but has a more sci-fi prescence that I enjoy.
Mike

Im not tired of comic book movies. Actually, I can't get enough of them if they're good like iron man and batman and the first two spiderman and xmen movies.
tobi,leader of the akatsuki

give it to sam raimi if you want him to fuck up another franchise,sam stick to horror films it's what you do best.
Frightened Inmate #2

I would rather see him do Evil Dead 4 before it's to late. Remember seeing the Baldwin's Shadow when it came out, definitely a ho hum flick. Still not ready for a reboot of any sorts. (like the Phantom)
Proudfoot

I would rather he did Warcraft while it's still the major MMO out there. In a few years WoW may be irrelevant and thus the movie won't have as much interest. The shadow has been done and I really want to see if anyone can make a video game movie that doesn't fail at representing the game. The fans have wanted a full length CGI movie since the cinematics in Warcraft 2 and 3. The Warcraft universe has a lot of lore to build on so I think it can be done.
Colt

seriously Raimi...Comics are not your thing. give us some more campy horror movies please. stay. away. from. comic movies
moldybread

The Baldwin version of this was a steaming pile of sh*t....and the shame of it is, the Shadow has the potential to be a true asskicker of a movie...better than most of this comic book drivel that has seemingly taken over Hollywood...I sincerely hope SOMEBODY can step up and make this project happen the roight way...
Lazarus from Sparta!!! DEATHKLOK RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loved the 1994 movie (I own the soundtrack and movie) and I've been dying for Hollywood to give this pulp hero his due once more on the big screen. This Hero defined the noir genre of comics who inspired mainly the Batman of the 50's. Lamont Cranston is an old version of the Bruce Wayne template. Rich dilettantes fighting crimes on their own terms. Both use fear to overtake their foes and both have a grim past. Raimi is a good director regardless. Sometimes lacking laser focus vision on projects, and other times being right on the money for others. I trust him to give this PULP hero his due. Plus the roaring 20's are always fun to see on film. My only suggestion....go big on the Shadow's quasi supernatural aspect. He IS the Shadow...and only HE knows what lurks in the hearts of men....*insert macabre grandiose menacing laugh* Trivia: Orson Welles gave the Shadow his voice during the old radio shows era...remember radios. It was before Facebook or twitter or Myspace or blogs....:)
David Banner

Hmm...in 1990 Darkman came out, Sam Raimi as director/writer. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099365/ Didnt Raimi make Darkman cuz he wanted to make The Shadow, but could not get the rights to it? Anyhow, I remember Darkman as alot of fun, go see it. Note: UK version is cut, and maybe a lot
Dreckent

Raimi + The Shadow + R-Rated Script = & $$$$$$
Conrad

#11 pretty much got it right on!
zubzwank

The Baldwin Shadow seemed like it had many good elements going for it: period setting, great cast (esp. Baldwin), good effects and sets, etc. So what went wrong? I think it was that the producers/director couldn't decide if they wanted a Tim Burton-Batman imitation or a "campy" movie. I mean, you had the Shadow telling jokes! He's supposed to be a fearsome creature of the night! Very bad script. AB did the best he could with it. Flying daggers with faces didn't help, either. I hope they do it right this time. Make the title character mysterious, hint that he's supernatural. A mystery man, not a super-hero. Sam, no funny stuff, please. The Shadow has the power to cloud mens' minds. Long ago, I discovered I have the power to cloud my own mind.
SlashBeast

Sam Raimi should be banned from making movies.
http://superhausdesign.com superhaus

VERY, VERY COOL!!!!
http://tomcamfield.wordpress.com Tom Camfield

@ David Banner Yup, he wanted the rights to The Shadow, and when he couldn't get them he made up Darkman.
CybexAl

The Shadow made by Raimi, with the right actor (Christopher Ecclestone anybody?) will be excellent.