| Director | Mark A.Z. Dippé |
|---|---|
| Genre | action film, adventure film, fantasy film, horror film, superhero film |
| Runtime | 92 min |
| Country | United States |
| Budget | $40 million |
| Box office | $87.9 million |
U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon Lieutenant Colonel and CIA operative Al Simmons is assigned by his superior, Jason Wynn, to infiltrate a biochemical weapons plant in North Korea, despite Simmons' growing moral qualms with the nature of his work. Unknown to Simmons, Wynn has ordered his top assassin Jessica Priest to murder him while he is on the mission. Before Simmons dies, he is set on fire by Wynn as the plant explodes as well. Simmons arrives in Hell, where one of its rulers, Malebolgia, offers him a deal – if Simmons becomes his eternal servant and leader of his army in Armageddon, he will be able to return to Earth to see his wife, Wanda Blake. Simmons accepts the offer and is returned to Earth as a being known as a "Hellspawn".
Unfortunately, Simmons, now known as Spawn, learns that five years have passed since his death. Wanda is now married to his best friend Terry Fitzgerald, who is living as the stepfather to his daughter, Cyan. Spawn encounters a clown-like demon known as the Violator, sent by Malebolgia, who acts as his guide. Spawn also meets and befriends a young homeless boy named Zack and the mysterious and elderly Cogliostro, a former Hellspawn who has successfully freed his soul and now fights for Heaven. Spawn learns that Wynn is now a weapons dealer and has developed a biological weapon called Heat 16. During a reception, Spawn attacks Wynn, murders Jessica and escapes using his newfound powers as a Hellspawn.
Following the attack by Spawn, Violator convinces Wynn to have a device attached to his heart that will release Heat 16 worldwide if his vital signs flatline as a deterrent against assassination attempts; Malebolgia intends for Simmons to murder Wynn and initiate the apocalypse. Spawn confronts Violator, who turns into his demonic form and beats him down. Cogliostro then rescues and teaches him how to use his powers with Zack. Spawn then learns that Violator and Wynn are after his family.
Terry sends an email incriminating Wynn to a fellow newsman. Just as the email is sent, Wanda, Cyan and Wynn enter the room. Wynn destroys Terry's computer and takes the family hostage. Spawn, Cogliostro and Zack arrive and nearly murder Wynn, but Spawn extracts the device from Wynn's body instead and destroys it. With his plan foiled, Violator sends Spawn and Cogliostro to Hell, where they both battle the demon before subduing him. Spawn is then confronted by Malebolgia as the latter renounces his intended purpose before escaping with Cogliostro just before they are overwhelmed by the villain's forces. Violator, having recovered, follows them, whereupon one last confrontation that culminates with Spawn decapitating the demon ensues. Violator's head taunts the group and threatens his return before retreating back to Hell. Wynn is arrested and Spawn, realizing there is no place for him in Wanda's world anymore, dedicates himself to justice rather than vengeance and returns to the streets with his allies.