The upcoming Candyman remake fills us with both excitement and anxiety. First off, it’s being helmed by Nia DaCosta, whose debut, Little Woods, was a startlingly self-assured calling card. Second, it’s co-written and produced by horror’s new favorite, Jordan Peele. But without Tony Todd as the titular character, is it really a Candyman movie?
To be fair, nobody has explicitly confirmed Todd isn’t returning as his most famous character, but no news isn’t necessarily good news when it comes to remakes (just ask Kane Hodder). To date, there isn’t much to go off in relation to this new Candyman in general anyway.
All we know thus far is it’s a spiritual sequel to the original, set in present day Chicago, in the now gentrified projects where its predecessor’s story took place. Aquaman villain Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was initially announced as Todd’s successor, but DaCosta clarified those reports in a recent chat with Collider:
It’s been slightly misreported. I can’t say what’s happening in the film because we want it to be a surprise, but he’s not replacing Tony Todd.
Likewise, speaking to Forbes, Todd himself assured fans there was nothing to worry about, because the project is in the right hands:
In Jordan Peele’s case I really like what I’ve seen of his work so far. I have full confidence in that remake being in competent hands and he and I have talked. I can’t say anything further than that, but I think the fans are going to be happy.
And now, according to a recent video posted by Sofa King Cool magazine, taken from an interview with the great man at Nickel City Con, there’s even more reason to hope Todd will be involved in the upcoming flick proper.
The Horror Icon once again reiterated his support of and love for Peele, noting he was “a little concerned” at first but was happy to receive a phone call from the Get Out director while on location for another movie.
Most tantalizingly, Todd teased fans on what to expect from his involvement in the remake:
It’s going to be an applause worthy moment…
He also, once again, reiterated his undying love of Candyman, noting how “flattering” it is people still care about the movie. Todd also argued that anything that could bring renewed attention to the original could only be a good thing. Check out the full interview below.
The plot of the upcoming movie is being kept tightly under wraps, but we do know Teyonah Parris (Chi-Raq, If Beale Street Could Talk) will star, alongside Abdul-Mateen II, as the girlfriend of an art dealer who becomes obsessed with the Candyman legend. Judging by Todd’s recent comments, he might very well be appearing as the entity himself again.
The Candyman remake/reboot hits theaters on June 12, 2020. Stay tuned to the site for more info on the movie as the date draws nearer.
