Sam Raimi Says ‘Darkman’ Remake Still Searching for Funding

Filmmakers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert are continuing efforts to revive their 1990 cult superhero film Darkman, although securing financing remains the project’s biggest obstacle. The duo confirmed they are actively pursuing the remake despite setbacks with the original studio, Universal Pictures.

Raimi and Tapert, who are currently producing the horror film Evil Dead Burn, first collaborated on the Evil Dead franchise before creating Darkman. Released in 1990, the film starred Liam Neeson as scientist Peyton Westlake, whose life is shattered after criminals torture him and destroy his laboratory. Following an experimental medical procedure that leaves him with enhanced senses and superhuman strength, Westlake uses realistic synthetic masks to conceal his identity while seeking revenge against those responsible. Frances McDormand portrayed attorney Julie Hastings, while Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi made cameo appearances. Sam Raimi and his brother Ivan Raimi also co-wrote the screenplay.

Speaking during a Zoom interview promoting Evil Dead Burn, Raimi confirmed previous reports that Don’t Move directors Adam Schindler and Brian Netto remain attached to direct the remake. Raimi praised the filmmaking duo, noting that he previously worked with them on Don’t Move and the 50 States of Fright segment Grey Cloud Island. He described Darkman as one of his and Tapert’s favorite projects and said they were excited to have Schindler and Netto lead the new version.

Schindler and Netto have previously expressed their enthusiasm for the property. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter following the release of Don’t Move in 2024, Schindler said, “We’ve got a love and an affinity for Darkman,” while Netto added, “Darkman was my favorite film for a good portion of my life.”

Despite creative progress, financing has proven difficult. Raimi revealed that Universal Pictures declined to fund the remake, forcing the producers to seek alternative financial backing. He said, “Right now, we don’t have a plan to get the financing. Universal wouldn’t give us financing for this, so we’re going to have to get creative now.” Raimi added that he and Tapert are discussing new funding options after several previous attempts to move the project forward failed.

Although the remake remains without financing, Raimi said he believes the project can still move ahead outside Universal and remains committed to finding a path to production.

Meanwhile, Evil Dead Burn, directed by Sébastien Vaniček and starring Souheila Yacoub, Luciane Buchanan and Hunter Doohan, follows the Necronomicon unleashing supernatural horror on a grieving family in a remote countryside home. The R-rated film has earned $26 million at the worldwide box office since its theatrical release on July 10. Written by T.J. Cimfel and David White, Don’t Move is currently streaming on Netflix.