Phantasm is a 1979 American science fantasy horror film that was directed, written, photographed, and edited by Don Coscarelli. The first film in the Phantasm franchise, it introduces the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm), a supernatural and malevolent undertaker who turns the dead of Earth into dwarf zombies to be sent to his planet and used as slaves. He is opposed by a young boy, Mike (Michael Baldwin), who tries to convince his older brother Jody (Bill Thornbury) and family friend Reggie (Reggie Bannister) of the threat.

Phantasm was a locally financed independent film; the cast and crew were mostly amateurs and aspiring professionals. Though initial reviews were mixed in regard to the dreamlike, surreal narrative and imagery, later reception was more positive and the film became a cult classic. It has appeared on several critics' lists of best horror films, and it has been cited as an influence on later horror series. It was followed by four sequels: Phantasm II (1988), Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994), Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998) and Phantasm: Ravager (2016).

Angus Scrimm as The Tall Man:
After being intimidated by Scrimm on the set of a previous film, Coscarelli decided that Scrimm would make a great villain. Initially, Scrimm had little input into the character, but he made more of a contribution as Coscarelli began to trust his instincts. Scrimm was outfitted in lifts and a suit too small for him in order to make him seem even taller and skinnier. Coscarelli says of Scrimm, "I really didn't have any idea that he would take it to the level that he did. ... I could see it was going to be a very powerful character."

Avengers: Endgame Directors Interested in Making a Phantasm Movie

In the years since filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the duo have leaned into their action sensibilities not only for the MCU but also for their original projects, though they have a soft spot for the horror genre. During a recent conversation with Rolling Stone, the Russo brothers confirmed that they would be open to delivering audiences a horror film, sharing their love of Evil Dead, and even pointing out that they'd be interested in directing a film for the Phantasm franchise. Whether that interest goes further than passive excitement and into the actual development of such a project is yet to be seen.

When the outlet asked if they would want to make a horror movie, Joe Russo confirmed, "Sure, we'd love to do a horror film. Evil Dead is, I feel like we talk about movies constantly, but it's because we're film fans. We grew up loving movies, and we watched a lot of damn movies when we were younger. And, you know, a couple of classic horror films were a main staple of our diet. Phantasm -- I'd love to do a Phantasm movie."

Debuting in 1979, the first Phantasm came from filmmaker Don Coscarelli and focused on a young boy who investigates the bizarre "Tall Man" who is seen working at the local funeral home, possessing the strength to carry seemingly full coffins singlehandedly. The boy then experiences a series of otherworldly events, from hovering orbs to monstrous creatures to other dimensions. The first film earned three sequels from Coscarelli, while 2016 saw the release of Phantasm: Ravager from director David Hartman.

Interestingly, the Russo brothers aren't the only ones who have a soft spot for the series, as the character Captain Phasma in Star Wars earned their moniker as an homage to the series, given her armor resembled the reflective and deadly spheres from the franchise.

Also worth noting is that the directors cite Sam Raimi's Evil Dead as a touchstone, with Raimi going on to move away from horror in the 2000s to deliver audiences the now-iconic Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire. Just earlier this year, Raimi returned to the superhero genre to inject plenty of horror into Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.