The Phantom Live-Action TV Series in the Works From Reginald Hudlin

The iconic comic strip “The Phantom” is set to receive the live-action TV series treatment, with acclaimed filmmaker Reginald Hudlin at the helm. The project is currently in development at King Features, owned by Hearst.

First introduced 90 years ago, “The Phantom” is considered a predecessor to popular superheroes like Batman and Iron Man. The character, also known as “The Ghost Who Walks,” is the first costumed superhero in comic book history. In recent years, the franchise has seen a resurgence in popularity with the release of digital editions and the webcomic “Phantom 2040” by Alex Segura, which brings a modern twist to the classic mythology.

With a global readership of over 29 million, “The Phantom” has a strong presence in key international markets such as The Nordics, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, the U.K., Europe, and India. The franchise continues to expand with a new comic book series launched by Mad Cave Comics in 2025, with plans for additional releases in the coming years. Additionally, a significant immersive location-based entertainment experience is set to be announced later this year.

Reginald Hudlin, known for his work in film, TV, and the comic book world, will be directing and producing the live-action series. Hudlin has previously written for Marvel Comics, including “Black Panther,” and is the co-owner of Milestone Media, a comic book company. A feature film based on Milestone’s Static Shock character is currently in development.

King Features president C.J. Kettler expressed excitement about the collaboration with Hudlin, stating, “The development of a live-action series for the iconic comic strip ‘The Phantom’ marks a pivotal expansion to meet the current cultural zeitgeist for this brand. By partnering with award-nominated director Reginald Hudlin, we are confident this adaptation will meet the high expectations of both longtime and new fans globally.”

Fans of “The Phantom” can look forward to a new era for the beloved character, as the live-action TV series promises to bring the iconic superhero to life in a way that honors the source material while appealing to a modern audience. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project.