Update, February 26, 2019:
Variety reports Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman, The Get Down) is in talks to play the starring role of Candyman.
Original post:
Earlier this year we heard plans for a potential reboot of Candyman from Jordan Peele, adding another notch to his horror movie belt after the smash success of Get Out. Now we have more details from Deadline, reporting that Peele’s MoneyPaw Productions is teaming up with MGM for a continuation of Candyman, and will not be a full-on reboot as was previously believed. Nia DaCosta, who recently directed the movie Little Woods starring Tessa Thompson, will direct from a screenplay by Peele.
The new Candyman is being referred to a “spiritual sequel” to the original 1992 Clive Barker adaptation, and will go back to the locale of the original film, the now-gentrified section of Chicago where the Cabrini-Green housing projects once stood. Tony Todd originated the role of the Candyman, an urban legend in the tradition of “Bloody Mary,” who appears when you say his name five times in front of the mirror, and finishes you off with his hook for a hand.In a statement, Peele said “the original was a landmark film for black representation in the horror genre. Alongside Night of the Living Dead, Candyman was a major inspiration for me as filmmaker and to have a bold new talent like Nia at the helm of this project is truly exciting. We are honored to bring the next chapter in the Candyman canon to life and eager to provide new audiences with an entry point to Clive Barker’s legend.
The new Candyman is set to hit theaters on June 12, 2020. No word yet on original actor Tony Todd’s involvement, but even if they get a new actor to play they part, we hope they dub him over with Todd’s voice, because it is one of a kind! We also hope they retain elements of Phillip Glass’ iconic score.Are you excited about a new Candyman film? Be sure to let us know down below in the comments.
Images: TriStar / Shout Factory
