Spawn (2019 film)

Spawn is a neo-noir supernatural horror action thriller film based on the Image Comics character of the same name. Produced by Todd McFarlane Entertainment and Blumhouse Productions with distribution from New Line Cinema, it is a reboot of the Spawn film series, unrelated to the 1997 film of the same name. The film was directed by Ernest Dickerson, with a screenplay by Tommy Shogun. It stars Jonathan Majors as Al Simmons/Spawn, alongside Nicole Beharie, Michael Fassbender, Trevante Rhodes, Karen Fukuhara, Donal Logue, Elijah Wood, and Michael Stuhlbarg. The film follows Spawn, who is still learning how to his demonic powers, pursuing a notorious child killer while simultaneously protecting the citizens of "Rat City" from New York's criminal underworld and the forces of Hell.
Having been in development hell since 1998, Todd McFarlane completed a script in 2016 and patterned with Blumhouse Productions who supported his intention to write and direct. However, McFarlane had reservations about the project and Shogun took over creating an entirely new story, removing any connections to McFarlane's draft. Drawing inspiration from films like Blade (1998) and Spawn issues 1-25, Shogun sought to craft a darker, more gothic horror style take on Spawn's story. Dickerson was hired in 2017 and principal photography took place from August to October 2018 between Los Angeles and New York. Filming relied on mostly traditional stunts and practical effects, with computer-generated imagery being handled by Blur Studio and the Moving Picture Company (MPC).
Spawn was released theatrically worldwide on October 25, 2019 to positive reviews from critics who praised the performances of the cast, cinematography, action sequences, and visual effects, though its graphic violence and runtime were criticized. The film grossed over $345 million against its $100 million budget, becoming the second highest-grossing R-rated film of 2019. A sequel, Spawn in the Demon's Hand, was released on October 22, 2021.
== Plot ==
== Cast ==
* Jonathan Majors as Al Simmons/Spawn
* Nicole Beharie as Wanda Blake
* Michael Fassbender as Jason Wynn
* Trevante Rhodes as Chapel
* Karen Fukuhara as Jade
* Donal Logue as Sam Burke
* Elijah Wood as Maximillian "Twitch" Williams 
* Michael Stuhlbarg as Billy Kincaid