In September, word arrived that Jordan Peele was looking to grab the rights to make a new movie based on horror franchise Candyman. Now things have moved forward, with Nia DaCosta hired to direct and a 2020 release date set.
Originally adapted from The Forbidden, a short story published in Clive Barker's Books Of Blood, the 1992 film introduced Tony Todd as the iconic urban legend, a slaughtered spirit who appears if one says his name five times while looking in a mirror and wreaks bloody havoc. It was followed by two sequels (though neither are remembered as fondly) and has been the subject of the usual remake chatter for years.
MGM and Universal are backing the new effort, which is now being described not as a reboot but a "spiritual sequel" to the original which will move the setting forward to present-day Chicago, which has been gentrified.
“The original was a landmark film for black representation in the horror genre," Peele, who will act as producer, said in a statement. "Alongside Night Of The Living Dead, Candyman was a major inspiration for me as a filmmaker, and to have a bold new talent like Nia at the helm of this project is truly exciting. We are honoured 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." No word yet on whether Todd, the person most identified with the character will play him again, or appear in any capacity.
With the set release date, there's a ticking clock for this one, and shooting should kick off in the spring. DaCosta has been drawing praise for indie Western Little Woods, starring Tessa Thompson and Lily James, and played festivals this year in the US but has yet to lock down a confirmed UK release.
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