It’s easy to forget how drastically different superhero films were received in the 1990s comparedto their dominance over popular culture today. Outside of the few breakout hits likeBatman Returns, Blade,andTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the superhero films of the ‘90s tended to be treated with derision, even if that was somewhat unwarranted.Billy Zane got the chance to suit up and play a ridiculous superhero inThe Phantom,which was based on the classic comic strip character from the 1930s. Although other contemporary superhero films likeDarkmanandThe Crowattempted to be much more somber and gritty,The Phantomembraced its B-movie sensibilities by crafting a pulpy, tongue-in-cheek tone reflective of the original source material.
Although an adaptation ofThe Phantomhad been in development for years,GremlinscreatorJoe Dantedeveloped a draft for Paramount Pictures that was openly satirical, aiming to embrace a tone similar to that of the originalBatmantelevision series starringAdam WestandBurt Ward. It was after Dante was fired from the project that he was shocked to learn that the film was being taken more seriously and that Paramount had removed many of the more obvious jokes. While it’s up for debate whetherThe Phantomis actually a self-aware spoof or just unintentionally hilarious,Zane completely understood what the tone of the film should beand gave an intentionally over-the-top performance. Although Zane would later succeed by taking on more supporting roles in films likeTitanicandWaltzing with Brando,The Phantomoffered him the one chance to prove that he could be a star.
‘The Phantom’ Gave Billy Zane a Self-Aware and Heroic Role
The Phantomloosely adapts the story from the original comic strip and serial, where it established that a young boy from the 16th century is given a Skull Ring, which ensures that he will protect the world as a hero under the guise of being a masked crusader.The persona of “The Phantom” is passedbetween generations of fathers and sons before Kit Walker, Zane’s character, adopts the responsibilities in 1938. Although World War II had yet to begin, Kit is tracked down in the jungle by Quill (James Remar), the leader of a villainous organization known as the Sengh Brotherhood, who have sworn to destroy “The Phantom” for generations. Although Kit chases Quill into New York after the Skull Ring is stolen, he’s also forced to confront his secret identity; Kit’s college girlfriend, Diana Palmer (Kristy Swanson), is a journalist investigating the powerful newspaper tycoon Xander Drax (Treat Williams), who is secretly working with the Sengh Brotherhood. The situation becomes even more complicated when Sala (Catherine Zeta-Jones), a pirate leader working for Drax, kidnaps Diana because of her connection to Kit.
The Phantomis structured with the same whimsical sense of adventure as its source material, which would often switch between exotic locations in order to keep the viewers on the edge of their seat. Thankfully,Zane does a great job at showing the duality of Kit’s persona, as heunderstands that a normal romantic life with Diana may not be possible because of his responsibilities to be a hero, even if it is something that he desires. Despite Dante’s misgivings about the film’s tone, Zane seems to understand just how cheeky the character should be in order to remain consistent with the original strips. While Kit isn’t a character who delivers self-aware one-liners like Kick-Ass or Deadpool, Zane’s straight-faced delivery of preposterous dialogue makes it clear that he is in on the joke.
‘The Phantom’ Is a Great Homage To Serial Adventures
The Phantomis unabashedly pulpy in the way that the action is staged, as directorSimon Wincerdecided to visualize the fight scenes with the same kinetic momentum as the original strips.There was a growing appreciation for pulpy serial characters in the 90s, as this model of storytelling was highly influential on the tone thatSteven SpielbergandGeorge Lucascreated forRaiders of the Lost Ark.The Phantomcontains a lot of the same qualities as theIndiana Jonesfilms, as it retains the 1930s setting, makes references to historical events, and contains supernatural elements. Even if the Phantom himself is technically a superhero, he feels closer to a grave-robbing action hero like Indiana Jones because he is traveling the world in search of mysterious artifacts. Zane’s performance definitely leans into this aspect of the character; even if his purple tights and silly face mask looked somewhat ridiculous, Zane does sell the idea that Kit is an intelligent characterwith a vast knowledge of world history.
Although it was an unfortunate box office disappointment when it was first released,The Phantomwas almost immediately accepted as a cult classic by those that were seeking a fresh take on the superhero genre. Even if the film was well-received by critics likeRoger Ebert,it is unfortunate thatThe Phantomwas not a bigger hit, as its final scene seemed to tease a sequel in which Diana would return to the jungle to join Kit on another adventure. There’s always the possibility thatThe Phantomwill eventually be revived with a younger star taking on the titular role, but Zane will always be synonymous with the character for those that grew up with the original classic.
