The rumors turned out to be true. Jamie Foxx is set to star as Spawn in the upcoming movie based on the comic book character of the same name. The Spawn movie will be directed by the creator of the comic, Todd McFarlane, in his directorial debut.
In a statement following the announcement, Jamie Foxx revealed that he was interested in the role for some time and even discussed the character with McFarlane several years ago.
“He was taken aback when I told him with the enthusiasm of a young child that more than anything I wanted to put my name in the hat to embody his beloved character SPAWN,” said Foxx in a statement. “I told him no one would work harder than me if given the opportunity… well… the opportunity is here!! I’m humbled and ready to transform… and to top things off the young Jason Blum is lending his brilliance to the project! Time to be great!!!! #SPAWN”
The first issue of Spawn was released in 1992, with 285 issues released since. The comic book centers on Albert Simmons, former Force Recon Marine, who starts working as a black ops agent for CIA. After he was murdered and sent to Hell for knowingly killing the innocent, Albert manages to strike a deal with an evil creature known as Malebolgia, and gets back to Earth in exchange for his soul. When Albert returns to Earth, he realizes that five years have passed since his death and that he turned into a demonic creature with superpowers.
“I will be directing my first full-length feature, and I fully understand the need to surround myself with as much skill, talent, and passion as possible,” said McFarlane in a statement. “To now have an Academy Award winning actor like Jamie Foxx, along with the dedication of Blumhouse Productions, will not only make my directing job that much easier, but more importantly, will bring a level of quality and star power that most first time directors could only foolishly dream of.”
The Spawn comic book was previously adapted into HBO’s animated series Todd McFarlane’s Spawn and a 1997 movie of the same name starring Michael Jai White.
