The Phantom – A Masked Hero Movie

Masked hero movies have been and will continue to be released as a popular theme by the great movie production companies of Hollywood. The common thread found in such movies usually feature characters who hide their identities from their archenemies and the world, in order to main anonymity and to protect loved ones from evil forces.

Ashley Land has written an informative post, appearing on the CBR website titled ‘10 Best Masked Movie Heroes (That Aren’t Marvel Or DC)‘ which covers this subject. He notes that characters featured in such movies will generally hide their identity, be it a villain or hero, in pursuit of vengeance or a perceived sense of retribution for a wrong received.

The most obvious comic book characters utilized in this genera of movies are those well known in main stream pop-culture, including those owned by Marvel and DC, which include Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, Daredevil and many more.

Ashley lists 10 masked hero movies which sit outside those owned by Marvel and DC, which include The Shadow, The Lone Ranger, Spawn, Rocketeer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Zorro. Some of these characters have not only been around in our newspaper comic strips or comic books since the 1930s and 1940s, but have received a movie treatment by Hollywood (with some having several movies produced).

The Phantom movie is also featured in the post, which was produced by Paramount Pictures in 1996. The part of the post featuring the Phantom notes:

Lee Falk’s Phantom was originally created as a 1930s comic strip, detailing the weekly adventures of its costumed hero. In 1996, the hero of Bengalla was brought to life, with Billy Zane cast in the leading role. The movie combines the adventure of Indiana Jones with the masked heroism of Batman, turning into a fun swashbuckling superhero movie. It follows the Phantom as he rescues an old friend and visits New York.

The Phantom has only received one feature film from Hollywood, but Billy Zane made a great impression as the masked hero. A jack of all trades, Kit Walker is a skilled fighter, shooter, pilot, and detective, demonstrating that he is one of cinema’s most capable heroes.

The Phantom movie received mixed reviews by both Phantom fans and the general public when it was initially released in our cinemas in 1996. Opinions on the movie continues to divide fans to this day, with some enjoying the sight of the Phantom coming to life on their screens, whilst others criticizing some of the creative liberties taken by the producers (such as the costume design and supernatural themes).

We’re yet to see our masked hero, the Phantom, appear on our big screens again.

Until a new Phantom movie is released, below you can view the making of the Paramount Pictures produced Phantom movie from 1996, directed by Simon Wincer and features actors including Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Treat Williams, James Remar and Patrick McGoohan.