Screenwriter Anthony McCarten’s Muse of Fire Productions is teaming up with Scooter Braun‘s SB Projects and producer/financier Compelling Pictures’ Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri for a contemporary take on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, Le Fantome de L’Opera. The film is set in the music scene of modern-day London and is said to be a psychological thriller in the vein of Black Swan and Misery.
Apparently, the film will focus less on the romanticism associated with previous adaptations in favor of the suspense and horror that was so prominent in the original book. McCarten will be writing the screenplay and will engage with some of the leading songwriters and music producers today to create new songs for the film. Scooter Braun manages some of the biggest talent in entertainment today including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Idina Menzel, J Balvin, Demi Lovato, Ashley Graham and Tori Kelly.
“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,” McCarten said to Deadline. “It will be a contemporary version of story, incorporate contemporary themes, and a new musical soundtrack drawing on some of the biggest recording talent.”
Phantom won’t exactly be a musical. Songs will come up when characters perform them, but there won’t be spontaneous musical numbers occurring throughout the film. It’s unclear when we’ll hear more about Phantom, but it wouldn’t be surprising if we end up seeing big names being attached to the project in the near future.
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