In the era of superhero cinema, several movies from comic book movie history would benefit from a contemporary update. Comic book movies have become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, especially with theMarvel Cinematic Universeand theDC Universedrawing audiences worldwide. However, not every comic book movie has enjoyed the same success or critical acclaim, and many adaptations from the past fall short of the compelling stories and visuals that modern adaptations offer.
While superhero stories dominate the landscape, comic book adaptations encompass a wide range of genres, from horror and fantasy to noir and pulp. This has led to a diverse range of movies that have not enjoyed the budgets of blockbuster superhero movies likeSuperman. Some movies, like theDCU’sSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, are already set for a remake or reboot and thus won’t be included here. Instead, this article looks at adaptations that deserve another chance on the big screen and why now is the perfect time.
10The Spirit (2008)
Directed By Frank Miller
After the successes ofSin Cityand300, which captured the essence of their comic sources with rich visuals and stylized grit,The Spiritfelt like a step backward. Directed by Frank Miller, whowas celebrated for his work onSin City,The Spiritattempted to bring Will Eisner’s iconic character to life. However, it missed the mark with its two-dimensional storyline and shallow character arcs, producing a movie that was all style and no substance.
Though it retained the dynamic visual style of its predecessors,The Spiritdidn’t delve into the nuanced storytelling that made the original comic so compelling. A modern remake could rectify these issues bybuilding a stronger narrative and balancing visual stylewith deeper character development. This could bringThe Spiritback to the spotlight, particularly with the rise of neo-noir storytelling in the mainstream.
9Masters of the Universe (1987)
Directed By Gary Goddard
The originalMasters of the Universemovie was a letdown for many who expected a faithful rendition of the beloved comic book and animated series. Instead of focusing on the mystical world of Eternia and its colorful characters, the film centered on Earth andintroduced mostly original characters, leaving the heart of the He-Man universe untouched. However, despite its shortcomings, the film still managed to offer a fun adventure, proving that the world of He-Man has cinematic potential.
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AMasters of the Universeremake could stay truer to the source material. It could bring He-Man, Skeletor, and the magical land of Eternia to life with modern visual effects and a script that honors its origins. With today’s technology and storytelling techniques, a newMasters of the Universefilm coulddeliver a faithful yet innovative adaptationthat immerses audiences in the rich, high-fantasy setting that made the franchise so popular. AMasters of the Universeremake has been in development hell since 2007 with no end in sight.
8Watchmen (2009)
Directed By Zack Snyder
Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’Watchmenis one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novels, often lauded for its mature themes and complex characters. When Zack Snyder adapted it into a movie in 2009, it polarized audiences and critics. While Snyder stayed visually faithful to the source material, many felt that the film lacked the narrative depth that made the graphic novel so powerful. The dense, gritty story can bechallenging to follow without prior knowledge of the source, and the film’s tone didn’t capture all of the nuances that makeWatchmenso impactful.
A remake could focus on making the story accessiblewithout sacrificing its dark, philosophical underpinnings. Since theWatchmenuniverse has had a resurgence in popularity - especially after the HBO series, which serves more as a sequel than a direct adaptation - a new film could explore the narrative from a fresh angle. A remake could potentially capture what made the original so revolutionary in comic book history.
7Dick Tracy (1990)
Directed By Warren Beaty
First introduced in comic strips in the 1930s, Dick Tracy quickly became an iconic detective character and one of the most recognizable comic book figures. The 1990Dick Tracyfilm, directed by and starring Warren Beatty,brought the colorful world of the detective to life with technical flair. The prosthetics and practical effects were certainly impressive for their time, and the striking color scheme feels very ahead of its time.
Nevertheless, a modern-dayDick Tracyremake could improve upon these, using updated practical effects and technology. The noir resurgence and advancements in digital effects would lend themselves perfectly to Dick Tracy’s world, allowing for a visually engaging and narratively compelling remake thatcaptures the intrigue and drama of the character’s detective adventures. Considering that he is one of the oldest and most popular comic book characters ever, the character deserves a 21st Century entry.
6Swamp Thing (1982)
Directed By Wes Craven
The Swamp Thing character has been adapted numerous times, but no version has truly done justice to its horror origins. Early adaptations, such as Wes Craven’sSwamp Thingcaptured some of the character’s eerie charm but were held back by budget limitations. Meanwhile, later adaptations, leaned more into the superhero formula and lost the horror aspect that best defines Swamp Thing’s story. ADCUSwamp Thingreboot was announced in January 2023, however very little has been confirmed
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A modern remake that embraces the horror roots of Swamp Thing would be an exciting addition to the comic book movie landscape. With the right budget and creative direction, a newSwamp Thingfilm couldblend the character’s superhero elements with horror more effectively, providing an unsettling and thought-provoking narrative that taps into ecological themes and the mystique of the swamp setting. With the rise of R-rated comic book movies and forays into horror with projects likeAgatha All Along, the time is perfect for a properSwamp Thingmovie.
5Spawn (1997)
Directed By Mark A.Z. Dippé
WhenSpawnwas first adapted into a film in 1997, it was met with disappointment. The character, a wildly popular dark antihero from Image Comics, wassupposed to bring an edgy, horror-infused presence to the superhero genre. However, the film fell short due to a combination of limited special effects, a weak script, and a lack of true horror elements.
With today’s more mature audiences and advancements in CGI, aSpawnremake would finallyoffer the dark, gritty, and atmospheric film the source material deserves. Spawn’s story is perfect for a modern adaptation that dives into its horror themes and moral ambiguity. The character’s ties to hellish realms and his role as a tragic antihero would be a refreshing change from the standard superhero fare, especially if the film embraced an R-rating in the wake of successful movies likeDeadpool & Wolverine.
4From Hell (2001)
Directed By The Hughes Brothers
From Hell, adapted from Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell’s graphic novel, delves into the twisted world of Jack the Ripper, blending crime and horror with psychological complexity. While the 2001 film starring Johnny Depp made an admirable attempt,it lacked the dark, detailed approach that made Moore’s graphic novel so compelling. Though certainly visually attractive, the film simplified and omitted many elements from the source material.
AFrom Hellremake could restore the layered storytelling and explore the socio-political themes that permeate Moore’s work. It could also lean further into the graphic novel’s starker and selective use of color using modern CGI. By sticking closer to the graphic novel’s narrative style and using modern horror techniques, a newFrom Helladaptation could delve into the sinister heart of the story,capturing the brutality and mystery of the Ripper era and Campbells grisly designs.
3Dark Phoenix (2019)
Directed By Simon Kinberg
The “Dark Phoenix Saga” is one of the most beloved storylines inX-Mencomics, following Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix, a force of pure destruction. Despite the significance of this storyline,theX-Menfilm franchisehas attempted to adapt it twice, both times failing to capture the original’s gravity. The first attempt, inX-Men: The Last Stand, omitted all the cosmic elements andburied the narrative in a secondary mutant “cure” story.
The second attempt,Dark Phoenix, was closer to the original story butdidn’t allow audiences enough time to foster a connection with Jean Greyfor her descent to truly hit home. Withthe MCU timelineintroducing mutants, a newDark Phoenixfilm could use its resources and expertise to honor Jean Grey’s transformation. By allowing Jean’s character to develop before she becomes the Phoenix, the MCU could finally do justice to one of Marvel’s most significant story arcs.
2The Phantom (1996)
Directed By Simon Wincer
Lee Falk’sThe Phantom, introduced in 1936, is one of the earliest comic book superheroes, predating even Batman and Superman. The 1996 film adaptation ofThe Phantom, starring Billy Zane, attempted to bring the jungle hero’s pulp-inspired adventures to the big screen but struggled with outdated effects and a lackluster plot. The movie was campy and fun, but it didn’t capture the full scope ofThe Phantom’s legendary status andis placed firmly with the spandex era of superhero movies.
A modern remake could embrace the classic pulp elements of the character while giving him a grittier edge. With a fresh script and modern special effects and costumes, aPhantomremake could capture the adventure, mystery, and legacy that make him a unique character. This version could introduce new audiences toThe Phantom’sthrilling tales whilerespecting his origins as one of the genre’s first superheroes.
1Darkman (1990)
Directed By Sam Raimi
Sam Raimi’sDarkman, is a unique entry in the superhero movie genre, blending superhero and horror elements in a story about a scientist seeking revenge after a brutal attack leaves him disfigured. Though not originally from on a comic book,Darkmanwas agloomy superhero movie inspired by the 1930s Universal horror movies. It was critically praised and has developed a cult following, despite its limited budget and early special effects capabilities.
With a modern remake,Darkmancould embrace its horror roots more fully, using current CGI and practical effects todepict the character’s tragic story in a more visceral way. A remake could also dive deeper into the psychological aspects of the character, updating the revenge-driven narrative with modern technics. ADarkmanremake would be a refreshing change from the modern superhero pantheon, particularly if Raimi returned to direct.
The Spirit
Cast
Denny Colt is a superhero with ghostlike powers, who goes by the moniker “The Spirit.” Using his powers, he defends the city from The Octopus and Sand Saref, who are fighting against each other in a race to find the immortality-granting Blood of Heracles.
Masters of the Universe
Masters of the Universe follows the battle between He-Man and the evil Skeletor, who seizes Castle Grayskull with the mysterious Cosmic Key. As Skeletor gains power, He-Man allies with locksmith Gwildor to recover the weapon, leading both forces to Earth, where it inadvertently lands in the hands of two teenagers.
Watchmen
Watchmen, directed by Zack Snyder, is a gritty adaptation of the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. The film takes place in an alternate 1985 America during the Cold War, following a group of retired superheroes investigating the murder of one of their own. As they delve deeper, they uncover a complex conspiracy that could alter the course of history. The ensemble cast includes Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, and Malin Akerman.
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing is a dark fantasy film directed by Wes Craven, based on the DC Comics character. Released in 1982, the film stars Louis Jourdan and Adrienne Barbeau. The story follows Dr. Alec Holland, a scientist who becomes the titular Swamp Thing after a lab experiment goes awry. The film blends horror and science fiction elements, exploring themes of transformation and tragedy within the murky depths of a swamp.
Spawn
Based on the dark comic by Todd McFarlanee,Spawnwas adapted for film in 1997, starring Michael Jai White in the lead role. Killed on a job after he’s betrayed by his boss, Al Simmons makes a deal with the devil and returns to earth as Spawn to face his new nemesis The Clown.
From Hell
From Hell was released in 2001 and was directed by The Hughes Brothers. It’s based on the From Hell graphic novel by Eddie Campbell and Alan Moore and stars Johnny Depp and Heather Graham. The plot revolves around a detective that’s investigating the Jack the Ripper murders and becomes romantically interested in one of his possible victims.
The Phantom
The Phantom, released in 1996, follows the 21st successor of Bengalla’s superhero as he journeys to New York. There, he must thwart a wealthy antagonist’s quest to acquire three mystical skulls, each holding the key to unparalleled power.
Darkman
Sam Raimi’s Darkman was released in 1990 and was based on a short story that Raimi created in tribute to Horror from the 1930s. The film sees Liam Neeson as a doctor using new technology to help cure himself of skin burns, only to develop superhuman abilities when the experiment fails.
