@sneklover, I, and many other mutuals went through two movie nights - a Phantom of the Opera double feature l! First, the original 1925 film and the 25th Anniversary live show at the Royal Albert Hall!
And all throughout those movies, I could not help but see Rabbids Phantom with Princess Peach...
Canon Phantom needs more Phantom of the Opera references/inspirations!
Phantom really is clearly intended to be more like the Erik in the more musical movies (the one in the 2004 musical turns really "over-the-top-dramatic villain" towards the end, lol), but there really needs to be a more darker side of him like the Erik from the 1925 movie or the book, who isn't just in love with Peach. He needs her. She's his muse and he can't write withouth her. And if he can't write without her, his whole "needs attention to have power" will cease to be, putting an end to his musical career.
I really want to see him in a Luigi's Mansion's style game set in a theater and the underground where he kidnapped Peach (she was caught without her shotgun, lol). Bonus points if he's also "disfiugred" with Darkmess (albeit a bit less than @pixies-and-poets' Music of the Night).
YOU. 🫵
You get it!
There's just so much potential in this concept and I want it realized, damnit! Sure, it follows the normal "kidnapping princesses" trope but at least there's room for more character development and 1v1 interactions between Phantom and Peach.
Unlike Bowser, Phantom is more of a gentleman when it comes to Peach. Instead of brutishly forcing her into love, he weeps, lowering himself closer to her, begging for forgiveness. Phantom would not have resorted to kidnapping if it weren't for Mario's meddling with his plans. Peach watches in both fear and pity.
