Black Swan Meets Misery in New PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Mike Sprague
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Phantom of the Opera is getting “a music-filled big scale” psychological thriller called Phantom. It is set in London’s contemporary music scene. And it will be a thriller in the vein of Black Swan and Misery.
Also Read: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Miniseries In the Works
Read more below.
Deadline reports: “Leroux’s depiction of a destructive relationship remains, as will a dark love story. But the movie intends to upend the romanticism associated with previous interpretations. And instead lean into the suspense and horror that was a big part of the book.”
Anthony McCarten will write the screenplay loosely inspired by the 1910 novel Le Fantome de L’Opera by Gaston Leroux
McCarten says: “The basic idea that lured me in was the chance to brush the cobwebs off a 110 year old tale, and return it to its roots suspense and horror. It will be a contemporary version of story, incorporate contemporary themes, and a new musical soundtrack drawing on some of the biggest recording talent.”
McCarten said they’ve got a list of potential musical artists, which he would not disclose.
This goes with Deadline’s report: “Braun and Shin will engage a group of today’s leading songwriters and music producers to create new songs for the film. This will not be a break into song musical; the songs will come when a character performs them within the story. Braun manages a roster of some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, J Balvin, Idina Menzel, Demi Lovato, Ashley Graham and Tori Kelly.”
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He adds: “You’re aware of everyone on the list, they are multi-Grammy-winning artists. We’re aiming to do something quite groundbreaking with music and the score. And something that may also be new for the artists themselves. We’ll reinvent this story for a new generation free from Gothic romantic period trappings. Our phantom is not offering anyone singing lessons, and there is no gondolier with a mask.”
There will be a love story, but it will be darker.
He says: “It’s a bit like taking an old piece of furniture and stripping off the layers of paint, back to the original grain. It’s back to the much scarier, horror suspense roots that were in the book. With this version of the tale, we aim to bring a more psychological lens to the questions of what may, and may not, be real; and to who and what we can be.”
Also Read: This Day in Horror History: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Was Released in 1925
McCarten will produce with Scooter Braun, James Shin, Denis O’Sullivan, and Jeff Kalligheri. Compelling Pictures will finance. Scott Manson will be exec producer.
O’Sullivan and Kalligheri added: “It has long been a goal to bring a psychological thriller driven by original music to the big screen. In SB Projects, we’ve found great creative partners across the board, and the opportunity to have new songs accentuate and complement the singular writing of Anthony McCarten is one that we know will be a treat for audiences everywhere.”
Shin says: “We’re always trying to find fresh and innovative ways to build and tell epic music driven stories, and we believe we have found the one that marries an enormously exciting thriller genre to it. We are happy to be partnering with Compelling and such a one-of-a-kind talent like Anthony.”
Are you up for this new Phantom of the Opera?
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