Written by Edwin Francisco
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness director Sam Raimi shares the possible return of his first superhero, Darkman.
Spider-Man (2002) is not Sam Raimi’s first foray into the superhero genre. Raimi first made Darkman. Darkman was Sam Raimi’s superhero debut back in 1990. In fact, it’s his own creation. Darkman is based on his own short stories that were more of a tribute or homage to classic horror films. This is also Liam Neeson’s first starring role after a little more than a decade in the film industry.
In the film, Liam Neeson plays Dr. Peyton Westlake. He’s a scientist developing synthetic skin to help burn victims. An incident with the crime boss burned Westlake’s face with acid and he was left to die in an explosion. He survived the event but when he was treated in the hospital, he lost the sense of physical pain. However, the event gave him enhanced strength. Westlake recreates his synthetic skin for his own use, making masks and hiding his identity. And he uses his skill to take his revenge.
Sam Raimi Reveals Possible New Darkman Movie
Image: Universal
Darkman was a modest success. It didn’t reach the same levels of Batman which came out a year before. But it was successful enough to justify some direct-to-video sequels. Although these happened without Neeson. He was replaced by Arnold Vosloo (The Mummy). Also, Sam Raimi was not involved with the sequels. It was Bradford May who took over directing the direct-to-video movies. Darkman somewhat had a cult following. Universal even released video games and comic books based on the character.
In an interview with The Wrap, Sam Raimi said:
Universal is talking about a Darkman sequel. There’s a producer attached. I haven’t heard the story yet or gone into it, I’ve been so busy with [Doctor Strange]. But I think it’s cool.
Since there is no official announcement, this means that a new Darkman film is still just in discussion. Which also tells us that it’s still in very early development. But also based on Sam Raimi’s answer, it seems that he might not be involved in it.
When Raimi was asked if Neeson would be interested in reprising the role, he answered:
I don’t know if he’d do it. But he’d be incredible.
In an interview back in April with ComicBook.com. Neeson was asked if there was a chance for a possible Darkman 2. He expressed some interest in the role. He said:
That’s a good question. I would be very interested in reading the script. Very.
Sam Raimi Reveals Possible New Darkman Movie
Image:: Universal
But then again, Liam Neeson knows how to answer questions. He’s interested in reading the possible sequel, but he didn’t say that he’ll take it.
Seeing a new Darkman film is exciting, especially for fans of the original film. If Universal makes a sequel to the original film how would that work? How does that explain 30 years of not going to a plastic surgeon to fix his burned face and fix his nerves. It would be nice to see Sam Raimi being involved to see how the story will progress.
Personally, even though it would be amazing to see Neeson reprise that role again. I think it’s better for Universal to reboot Darkman instead of forcing a continuation. If they want this to be a franchise, they do need to look for a younger actor than Neeson.
Darkman was a unique product of its time. It has all that Sam Raimi signature that we have seen in Spider-Man as well as the Doctor Strange sequel. The movie is still fun to watch even to this day. Darkman was Raimi’s own superhero like Batman or the Shadow.