Danny Phantom Returns

Danny Phantom Returns is a 2026 American computer-animated supernatural superhero film directed by Steve Marmel and produced by Karen Malach, based on the Nickelodeon television series, Danny Phantom. It is the first installment of the Nicktoons Cinematic Series released by Nickelodeon Movies. The film stars David Kaufman, Grey Griffin, Rickey D'Shon Collins and Colleen O'Shaughnessey reprising their roles as the main characters.

The film takes place after the events of the series and its series finale, with Danny now retired from being Danny Phantom, and an outcast called Nolan Malthone (voiced by Jake Johnson) plans to take over Amity Park for his humiliation from the citizens of the town.

Danny Phantom Returns was released on the series' 20th anniversary on April 3, 2024 by Paramount Pictures, in RealD 3D, IMAX 3D and Dolby Cinema. The film was a critical success with audiences and critics for the film's premise and character's return.

Plot
Two years later, Danny Fenton had retired from being his ghost superhero alter-ego Danny Phantom to focus on his regular life. At school, he is praised and respected by his fellow classmates. Returning home, he finds his parents selling their ghost equipment as the town has been free from ghosts ever since the last two years, but Danny convinces them to keep their stuff just in case, in which they agree to do. Unbeknownst to anyone, an occult, under the name Nolan Malthone, arrives in Amity Park to seek revenge on the town.

Upstairs in his bedroom, his sister Jazz enters and has a talk with him about his retirement; their conversation ends with Danny saying that he did it because Amity Park can't keep relying on him to assist, claiming they might loose their independence if he continues. Jazz comforts her brother about his decision, yet tells him that one day, he will return, in which he defies.

At his girlfriend Sam Manson's house, he, Sam and his best friend Tucker Foley are preparing to have a movie night. During so, Danny mentions his talk with Jazz about returning as Danny Phantom; whereas Tucker respects his decision, although Sam agrees with Jazz's opinion. Sam worries about his choice and believes one day, she will die and he will not be around to save her. Danny promises to think about it. Noticing she forgot about buying popcorn, Sam goes out to get some.

During her search for some, she bumps into Malthone, who claims he is only "sightseeing", in which she believes him. She mentions her conversation about her boyfriend's suggestion of returning to his crime-fighting duties, in which Malthone agrees with Danny's choice of living an ordinary life and that independence is important and moral for the citizens of her hometown. Getting the popcorn, Sam scoffs at him siding with her boyfriend's choice as she leaves. Back home, living in his basement, Malthone was right about his theory that Danny Phantom existed. His next goal was to receive powers as Danny did, so he can sack revenge on Amity Park.

Cast
Additional cast members include Cree Summer as Valerie Gray, Jason Marsden (replacing S. Scott Bullock) as Dash Baxter, James Sie as Kwan, Tara Strong as Tiffany Snow and Star, Aimee Carrero as Paulina, Ron Perlman as Mr. Lancer, Dee Bradley Baker as Lance Thunder, and Martin Mull as Vlad Masters / Vlad Plasmius.
 * David Kaufman as Danny Fenton / Danny Phantom
 * Jake Johnson as Nolan Malthone / The Destructor
 * Grey Griffin as Sam Manson
 * Rickey D'Shon Collins as Tucker Foley
 * Colleen Villard as Jazz Fenton
 * Rob Paulsen as as Jack Fenton
 * Kath Soucie as Maddie Fenton

Casting
Jason Lee was chosen to be the main antagonist Nolan Malthone. The original cast members of the series reprise their roles as their characters, while Jason Marsden replaces S. Scott Bullock as Dash Baxter.

Jack Fenton's father, named Harvard Fenton, was originally to appear in the film voiced by Michael Caine. Unfortunately, he was written out of the film.

Animation
Dallas-based animation studio Reel FX was tasked to animate the film.

Music
Tyler Bates, known for composing Guardians of the Galaxy and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, composed the film's score. Adam Berry, John Debney, David Newman and Michael Giacchino were previously chosen to compose the film. Guy Moon served as music supervisor. The show's theme song for the film was composed by Bates.

Release
Danny Phantom Returns had a premiere in Hollywood on March 22, 2024. The film opened in theaters in Dolby Cinema, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D on April 3, 2024; on the day of the series' 20th anniversary. It was accompanied with a short film entitled Goddard, a short film based on the Jimmy Neutron franchise.