THE PHANTOM Live-Action Series in the Works From Reginald Hudlin and King Features
There’s a new superhero series gearing up for TV, but this one didn’t come out of the modern comic boom. It actually predates most of the heroes audiences know today.
The Phantom is officially being developed as a live-action TV series, with filmmaker Reginald Hudlin leading the charge. For fans of classic comics and pulp-style heroes, this is shaping up to be something worth keeping an eye on.
Hudlin, known for projects like Candy Cane Lane and the documentary Sidney, is set to direct and produce the series, which is currently in development at King Features. The studio has long held the rights to the character, and now they’re looking to bring him back into the spotlight in a big way.
The Phantom isn’t just another masked vigilante. Created by Lee Falk, the character first appeared nearly 90 years ago and is widely recognized as the first costumed superhero. Long before Batman or Iron Man suited up, there was “The Ghost Who Walks,” a jungle protector whose legend is built on legacy, myth, and generations of crime-fighting.
Even after all these decades, the character hasn’t faded away. In fact, The Phantom has seen a resurgence thanks to digital releases and new storytelling takes like the Phantom 2040 webcomic from Alex Segura, which reimagines the mythos for a modern audience. That mix of old-school heroism and updated storytelling could play a big role in shaping this new series.
The franchise itself has serious global reach, with over 29 million readers across regions like Europe, India, Australia, and Brazil. That kind of built-in fanbase gives the show a strong foundation right out of the gate.
On top of that, new comic books launched through Mad Cave Comics in 2025, with more stories planned in the coming years. There’s even an immersive entertainment experience tied to the brand reportedly on the way.
As for Hudlin’s involvement, beyond his film and TV work, he’s connected to the comic world. He’s written for Black Panther at Marvel and is a co-owner of Milestone Media, the company behind characters like Static Shock, who is also being developed for a feature film.
King Features president C.J. Kettler shared their enthusiasm for the project, saying: “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, who possesses a deep reverence for the comic industry and source material itself, we are confident this adaptation will meet the high expectations of both longtime and new fans globally.”
If done right, The Phantom could stand apart from the crowded superhero field by leaning into its legacy-driven storytelling and pulp adventure roots.