The Phantom (1996 Film)

The Phantom is the 1996 Paramount Pictures live-action adaptation of the King Features comic strip of the same name created by Lee Falk.

Billy Zane stars as Kit Walker, aka The Phantom, a seemingly immortal hero defending the jungle island of Bengalla. Actually the 21st in a line of men playing the role, Walker finds himself in conflict with Xander Drax (Treat Williams) who is plundering the jungle looking for four skulls that will imbue him with vast powers. Kristy Swanson and Catherine Zeta-Jones also star.

Directed by Simon Wincer (Free Willy) from a script by Jefffrey Boam (The Lost Boys), the movie was greeted with a lukewarm reception from critics and moviegoers alike. While likable and nostalgic, the film never rises to a superhero level of spectacle.