The classic Phantom of the Opera is headed back to the screen with a project simply titled Phantom, Deadline reports today, now in development over at Universal Pictures.
The spec script was written by John Fusco, with Harvey Mason Jr of Harvey Mason Media, and John Legend and his Get Lifted Film Co producing partner Mike Jackson attached.
Phantom is said to be a contemporary take on the classic Gaston Leroux novel, which was published in 1910. The new movie will be set in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
“This is set it in the sultry nightlife scene of modern day New Orleans, the world of jazz, R&B, neo-Soul, and funk,” Fusco tells Deadline. “The French Quarter, where New Orleans is not only known as America’s most haunted city, but the music, French Creole culture, the voodoo mystique, masquerade pageantry of Mardi Gras, just lent itself to a natural adaptation of the Paris setting, and a story that has revenge, unrequited love and mystery.”