Todd MacFarlane, the creator of Spawn, recently announced that the script for the live-action feature adaptation of his iconic comic book character is complete and rated R. At San Diego Comic-Con, MacFarlane revealed that the screenplay, which has been a long time in the making, delivers a “badass” portrayal of Spawn, staying true to his original vision for the character. The next step in the production process is to find a director for the film.
Prior to Comic-Con, producer Jason Blum shared the first page of the script on social media, revealing the film’s title as “King Spawn.” This title is inspired by an ongoing comic book series that began in 2021, which continues the story of Al Simmons, the original Spawn, as he assumes a leadership role in the eternal conflict between Heaven and Hell.
MacFarlane expressed his enthusiasm for the R-rating, citing successful R-rated superhero films like “Deadpool,” “Wolverine,” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” as inspirations. This new direction contrasts sharply with the original 1997 Spawn film, which was rated PG-13 and received criticism for not aligning with the comic’s reputation for graphic content.
The new film, King Spawn, does not yet have an official release date, but Blum hinted at a potential release in 2025. Fans eager for updates on the project can follow the latest news and schedules from Comic-Con, where ongoing coverage is available.
The announcement of King Spawn marks a significant shift for the franchise, with a focus on staying true to the dark and mature themes of the original comic series. The combination of an R-rating and the creative vision of MacFarlane promises a more authentic adaptation of Spawn for both longtime fans and new audiences.
