In the 1990s, Hollywood witnessed a surge of interest in period action thrillers, particularly those set in the 1930s and 1940s, often inspired by classic pulp comic book series from that era. While some of these films garnered positive critical reception, many failed to find their footing at the box office, leading to various obscured titles. One such film that often gets overlooked is The Phantom.
Directed by Simon Wincer and penned by Jeffrey Boam, The Phantom (1996) is based on Lee Falk’s comic strip that debuted in 1936—two years before Superman. Despite its significant impact on modern superhero narratives, The Phantom has struggled to resonate with audiences, earning only $23.5 million worldwide against a $45 million budget and a disappointing score of 43% on Rotten Tomatoes. While the film certainly has its faults, a closer look reveals why The Phantom could have — and arguably should have — made a stronger impression.
Billy Zane stars as Kit Walker, the 21st person to bear the mantle of one of comic’s most celebrated pulp heroes. The Phantom’s legacy, transmitted through generations, transforms him into an immortal guardian of the jungles of Bengalla. In the year 1938, he must defend mystical skulls from the nefarious Xander Drax (played by Treat Williams), who seeks their power for himself. With the assistance of former love Diana Palmer (Kristy Swanson), Kit navigates thrilling adventures that unveil hidden truths about his own past.
As an action-adventure narrative, The Phantom excels in delivering high-octane entertainment, featuring impressive stunts and exhilarating choreography. The film kicks off with a breathtaking chase through the jungle, evoking memories of iconic moments from films like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Each action sequence is meticulously constructed, ensuring timeless appeal and excitement for viewers. Renowned critic Roger Ebert lauded the film for its visual flair and its playful, slightly satirical tone, a hallmark of classic adventures.
While The Phantom features some of the most thrilling action sequences of the 1990s, its charm is undeniably marred by its self-aware, campy tone. One example is when Kit Walker’s loyal wolf, Devil, cleverly connects with his horse, Hero, as they coordinate an escape with Kit from danger. Such moments highlight the film’s penchant for humor, even amidst serious stakes.
Additionally, this cheesiness extends beyond action sequences into clichéd dialogue and melodramatic performances. Kit’s trademark purple suit draws attention for its flamboyance, yet it remains true to its comic roots. It’s important to recognize that these elements, while perhaps perceived as flaws, actually capture the spirit of the action-adventure genre, reminiscent of contemporaneous works like The Rocketeer.
In fact, one might argue that The Phantom pays homage to 1930s serials more than it parallels the edgier storytelling found in the Indiana Jones franchise. Shot in color, viewers might easily believe they were watching a film from decades past.
In action and superhero films, the antagonist often stands out, sometimes eclipsing the protagonist. In The Phantom, that distinction belongs to Catherine Zeta-Jones, whose captivating performance as Sala leaves a lasting impression. This character brings both allure and menace, embodying the classic femme fatale archetype with remarkable finesse. For audiences, witnessing Zeta-Jones in her nascent years is a treat, particularly as she would later shine in projects like Chicago and Netflix’s Wednesday.
Reflecting on The Phantom’s underwhelming performance, one aspect that often emerges is Billy Zane’s portrayal of Kit Walker. While critiques on Rotten Tomatoes suggest that the script didn’t provide a solid foundation for Zane’s performance, there remains curiosity regarding how the film might have fared with a different lead. Zane’s talents as a villain—exhibited in Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight and Titanic—pose an interesting question: might he have served better as the film’s villain, rather than its hero?
Following its lackluster box office return, the planned sequels to The Phantom faced cancellation, despite Zane’s signing of a three-picture deal. In 2008, there were talks of a continuation featuring the original cast, but ultimately plans shifted towards a reimagining that also did not materialize.
Though Hollywood has not revisited this iconic character, a two-part miniseries aired on SyFy in 2010, showcasing Ryan Carnes as Kit Walker in a modern adaptation of Falk’s work. Lee Falk’s character continues to influence the comic book landscape, yet the cinematic landscape remains barren for any resurrection of this nostalgic figure.
For now, fans can only relish the charm of the underrated 90s classic The Phantom and remain hopeful for the character’s eventual return.
Based on reporting by CBR.com. Read the full story at CBR.com.