Disney+ is currently developing a young adult adaptation of “Phantom of the Opera.” The classic novel by Gaston Leroux, originally set in the opulent Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris, tells the tale of a vengeful Phantom who mentors a young singer. This story has seen numerous adaptations since its serialization between 1909 and 1910. Perhaps the most iconic version is the 1986 stage musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which was later turned into a film in 2004, directed by Joel Schumacher and featuring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum.
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According to Deadline, Disney+ is in the early stages of developing a young adult version of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Kenny Ortega, known for directing “High School Musical” and “Descendants,” is set to direct the project. The screenplay is written by Giovanni M. Porta, based on a story he developed with Eric Bromberg. Ortega will also serve as an executive producer, with the possibility of this project evolving into a franchise similar to his previous Disney successes, including the 1993 cult favorite “Hocus Pocus.”
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The report does not specify if this adaptation will be a new original musical. If so, it could be the first musical adaptation to reach the screen in quite some time. While the most renowned version of the novel is a musical, it is often adapted into horror films that minimize musical elements. Examples include the 1925 silent film starring Lon Chaney, a 1989 horror version featuring Robert Englund from “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and Dario Argento’s 1998 adaptation.
Robert Englund’s “Phantom of the Opera” was directed by Dwight H. Little, known for “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers.”
Aside from the 1974 cult hit “Phantom of the Paradise” by Brian De Palma, significant musical adaptations of Leroux’s novel have mostly been interpretations of Webber’s musical. The latest original musical take was the 2011 French-language animated film “A Monster in Paris.” This scenario leaves ample opportunity for Ortega’s project to establish itself as a distinctive new musical interpretation, should it opt for that direction.
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Young adult versions of the story have been explored before, such as the 1989 teen slasher “Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge” and the 2000 Disney Channel movie “Phantom of the Megaplex.” However, turning the iconic “Phantom of the Opera” into a franchise could be challenging, even for the creator of the first three “Descendants” and “High School Musical” films—both highly successful franchises. The original narrative is somewhat self-contained, which is why no adaptation has yet evolved into a comprehensive, long-term franchise. Significant modifications might be necessary to adapt it to a franchise format.
Source: Deadline
