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

A live-action TV series based on Lee Falk’s classic comic strip “The Phantom” is in the works from “Candy Cane Lane” and “Sidney” filmmaker Reginald Hudlin, Variety has learned.

Hudlin will direct and produce the TV series, which is in the development stage at the Hearst-owned King Features.

A predecessor to Batman and Iron Man, “The Phantom” comic book strip first debuted 90 years ago, and the titular “The Ghost Who Walks” character is credited as the first costumed superhero. The character has received more attention in recent years with the digital editions of the comic, including the launch of the “Phantom 2040” webcomic by Alex Segura, which builds on the classic mythology with a modern twist.

Owned by Hearst, “The Phantom” franchise boasts a global readership of more than 29 million, with key international markets including The Nordics, Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, the U.K. and Europe, and India.

A new “The Phantom” comic book series launched from Mad Cave Comics in 2025 with plans for additional releases over the next two years. According to Hearst, “The Phantom” will also have “a significant immersive location-based entertainment experience, set to be announced later this year.”

Along with his work in film and TV, Hudlin is a vet of the comic book world. Hudlin previously wrote “Black Panther” issues for Marvel Comics and is now the co-owner of comic book company Milestone Media. A feature film based on Milestone’s Static Shock character is currently in development.

“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,” King Features president C.J. Kettler said in a statement to Variety. “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.”