Todd McFarlane shares positive update about Spawn video game

While the idea is very much alive, McFarlane is focusing on the upcoming Spawn movie, believing its success could pave the way for more.


Spawn is long overdue a more mainstream standalone video game.

Spawn, the dark and enthralling superhero that emerged from the creative mind of Todd McFarlane, may soon be returning to the gaming universe.

As superhero games soar in quality and fan engagement, particularly after the inception of games like the Batman Arkham series and Marvel’s Spider-Man, many fans have been eagerly wondering about the prospects of a new Spawn video game.

Spawn isn’t new to the gaming realm. The character has previously been featured in his standalone titles, and has made guest appearances in popular games like Mortal Kombat 11. More recently, news emerged that Spawn would appear in Call of Duty’s Season 6 update, amplifying the excitement of both gaming aficionados and Spawn enthusiasts.

Developed by the right people, Spawn will make for an excellent action game.

In a candid conversation with ComicBook.com ahead of Spawn’s Call of Duty debut, Todd McFarlane gave some insights into the potential of a dedicated Spawn game. McFarlane revealed that while the idea of a new game is definitely on the table, he’s currently focusing on the trajectory of the upcoming Spawn movie. His rationale is clear; while Spawn enjoys a dedicated fan base, the global recognition it receives isn’t as widespread as giants like Call of Duty. Hence, if the next Spawn movie garners significant success, the subsequent recognition could make a video game’s release even more impactful.

McFarlane’s comment suggests a strategy that’s in line with the current trend in the entertainment industry. There’s an understanding that while movies and games are different mediums, they are interwoven in the larger tapestry of pop culture. A successful movie could lay the groundwork for a game that’s well-received, not just by comic enthusiasts but by a wider audience.

The Spawn movie itself has been a subject of much anticipation and speculation. It’s been known that the film has been in development for some time. Fortunately, McFarlane provided an update, sharing that the movie’s script is in its final stages. Only 30 pages are left, and once the ongoing writers’ strike concludes, the script is expected to be finalized promptly.

It remains to be seen if Spawn’s inclusion in Call of Duty will be well-received.

Spawn’s inclusion in Call of Duty adds to the character’s increased visibility. It’s a move that McFarlane confessed even caught him by surprise, but it’s one he’s wholeheartedly embraced. When Activision, the company behind Call of Duty, approached McFarlane about integrating Spawn into their gaming universe, he was quick to jump on board. He sees it as an opportunity to introduce Spawn to a broader audience, one that might not be familiar with the character’s rich comic history.

McFarlane’s proactive involvement ensure Spawn’s inclusion in Call of Duty feels organic. Spawn’s military background, as Lieutenant Colonel Al Simmons, aligns seamlessly with the game’s milieu. McFarlane emphasized that introducing a character like Spawn to the Call of Duty community was about creating something with the character, ensuring he resonated with players who might be experiencing him for the first time.

Spawn has had successful crossovers in video games in recent years.

Spawn’s journey, from its inception in Image Comics to its current mainstream reincarnations, proves its appeal. Games have, in many ways, been pivotal in keeping Spawn relevant in mainstream pop culture, often more when you compare it to other media forms. McFarlane’s recent revelations indicate that this trajectory is set to continue, with Spawn poised to make significant waves both on the silver screen and in the gaming world.

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio