Before he haunted Broadway and the West End, The Phantom of the Opera was one of Universal Picture’s first horror movie icons. Now, Universal is developing a new adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel with a project simply titled Phantom.
John Fusco wrote the spec script for Phantom, which will shift the action from Paris to New Orleans’ French Quarter. The project is being produced by Harvey Mason Jr, musician and songwriter John Legend, and Legend’s Get Lifted Film Co producing partner Mike Jackson.
“This is set it in the sultry nightlife scene of modern day New Orleans, the world of jazz, R&B, neo-Soul, and funk,” Fusco explained to Deadline. “The French Quarter, where New Orleans is not only known as America’s most haunted city, but the music, French Creole culture, the voodoo mystique, masquerade pageantry of Mardi Gras, just lent itself to a natural adaptation of the Paris setting, and a story that has revenge, unrequited love and mystery.”
Words: Samantha McLaren (@themeatispeople)
