Just when you thought it was safe the hook returns in Candyman, the latest from co-writer and director Nia DaCosta.
A “spiritual sequel” to the 1992 original, this new iteration retains the series’ core mythology: look in the mirror and say the titular slasher’s name five times and you’ll meet his pretty hook. In other words, you’ll get killed pretty gruesomely. Dismissed by most as a myth, an artist picks up the legend and uses it to spice up his paintings, unwittingly inciting a bloodbath.
Given that this is a horror franchise with strong racial undertones, it’s hardly a surprise that the promo material plays up Jordan Peele’s involvement. He’s only a producer and co-writer, though, as this project is actually being led by DaCosta. With the impressive family drama Little Woods under her belt, she’s taking a hard turn into horror, which will hopefully prove that she has the range to last a long time in the industry.
Those in front of the camera are up-and-comers as well, with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II headlining, who’s probably best known for his recent turn in the Watchmen series. Co-starring is Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, and Colman Domingo.
There’s lots of eyes on this given how much love there is for the original, so pulling it off would give quite the boost to everyone involved. Failing, however, would bring an inordinate amount of ire. No risk, no reward, I guess.
Candyman is directed by Nia DaCosta and stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. It will be released in the US and the UK on June 12th, 2020. For international release dates, click here.
Are you happy to see this horror icon revived (and will you say his name five times)? Let us know in the comments!
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