Filmmaker Sam Raimi's name is synonymous with several big-name franchises, but he almost added The Shadow to his impressive résumé when, in 2006, it was reported Raimi and Michael Uslan would produce a new adaptation of Walter B. Gibson's pulp hero for Columbia Pictures.

It was a match made in heaven. Raimi was still riding high after 2004's Spider-Man 2 – a critical and financial success for the director and Columbia Pictures. Uslan was a longtime producer of the Batman films and even wrote The Shadow for DC Comics in 1975.

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Comic book pedigree aside, Raimi was also a huge fan of the franchise. In fact, his 1990 hit film Darkman, starring Liam Neeson, was born as a homage when Raimi was unable to secure the film rights for The Shadow or Batman. Anyone who has ever watched the film can attest to the obvious influence of the character in both Darkman's look and traits.

Discussing Raimi's passion for the project, Uslan said, "The Shadow comics were the thing that propelled Sam [Raimi] into becoming a comic book fanatic... Sam has a passion for it and an understanding of it."

Work on The Shadow commenced in the background, with Siavash Farahani penning a script, as Raimi focused on Spider-Man 3, Drag Me to Hell and the unrealized Spider-Man 4. At one point, Quentin Tarantino was touted as a possible director for The Shadow, though Tarantino vehemently denied those rumors. However, in 2010, Sony let the movie rights for The Shadow lapse, which threw another curveball into the mix. Around this period, rumors swirled that Raimi was interested in not only producing but also directing the film.

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The Shadow by Alex Ross

Considering how passionate Raimi was about this project, it made complete sense for him to adapt The Shadow. Unfortunately, it never happened, as Raimi revealed the film wouldn't go ahead as planned in 2012. Since then, there has been no further update about The Shadow, with or without Raimi's participation. That being said, Raimi has mentioned that he'd still like to tackle a film at some point.

Looking at the superhero boom in TV and film, it's surprising how no one has jumped at the chance to bring The Shadow to life again. The franchise might not have the same clout as it did in the '30s and '40s, but it's recognizable enough to stir up interest in the general audience.

More importantly, there's a filmmaker of Raimi's caliber interested in doing it. With his name and talent behind the project, it holds the potential to be something truly special. Whether it's his approach on The Evil Dead, Spider-Man or Darkman, Raimi has proven that he can transcend genres, which might be exactly what The Shadow needs to be relevant in 2020.

In Hollywood, though, things change and develop quicker than anyone can imagine. While Raimi's The Shadow failed to launch before, it doesn't mean it's lost forever. Although the director is currently attached to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, there's always the possibility he'll finally get to do something with The Shadow someday.

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