The movie 'Spawn' was released on August 1st, 1997, and was a movie adaptation of the Image Comic of the same name created by Todd McFarlane. The movie starred Michael Jai White as the titular character, with John Leguizamo as The Clown/Violator and Martin Sheen as Jason Wynn , the two villians.

Much like the comic, the plot-line of the movie involved Al Simmons, a soldier, being betrayed by Wynn and dying on a mission. In Hell, Malebolgia offers Simmons a deal: become his servant, and Simmons will be able to return to Earth for his beloved wife, Wanda. Once back, Simmons realizes that he is deeply changed, carrying a living suit he doesn't fully understand and a body decaying as if he were still dead.

The movie, while featuring impressive special effects for the time, was not a success. Nonetheless, an animated series on HBO was subsequently created.

As of the time of this writing, Spawn was rated at 33% on RottenTomatoes.