Apparently Warner Bros. is not scared to adapt an old property that has never successfully made it to the big screen, despite the debacle that has been the release of JOHN CARTER.
It was announced today that WB will be adapting the comic strip Mandrake the Magician for the big screen. Mandrake was created by Lee Falk, the same artist who brought the world The Phantom. This is another character that has been in development hell and never seen the light of day, despite names like Federico Fellini attempting to bring it to cinemas. Two recent films were attempted starring Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Hayden Christensen, and Djimon Honsou.
The comic strip began in 1934 and tells the adventures of an illusionist who had the power to hypnotize his foes at great speed. With his companion Lothar, an African strongman, he fought evildoers ranging from gangsters to masters of disguise to aliens. He also had a twin brother who used his power for evil instead of good.
WB is looking to update the character, SHERLOCK HOLMES-style. That could mean transporting the story to a contemporary setting or keeping it historically accurate but making it a little more hip and techno-savvy.
What do you think about a the potential for a Mandrake franchise?
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