‘Candyman’ will return in 2020 – Maybe with Tony Todd?

I’m a hug fan of the 1992 supernatural slasher film, Candyman. It’s one of those rare films where all the elements align perfectly, creating a superb masterpiece of cinema. Anthony B. Richmond’s wonderful cinematography, the looming presence of Philip Glass’ score and a perfectly balanced cast, this is a cake with all the right ingredients. So forgive me if i’m not jumping for joy over the news of a “spiritual successor’ to this fine film. Yes, it’s a sequel…but to what extent?

“I’ll do more than pop up!”

We had two sequels that both failed to capture the same genie that first film bottled and sealed, and whilst they helped to strengthen Tony Todd’s Candyman into the world of horror icons, they were not half as good as the original. The new film, according to Deadline, will be produced by Get Out’s Jordan Peele, and will continue to the series as a “spiritual sequel”. What that means is still unsure, apart from the fact that it will be set in Candyman’s old stomping grounds Cabrini-Green. 

The new Candyman is being billed as a “spiritual sequel” to the original and returns to the neighborhood where the legend began: the now-gentrified section of Chicago where the Cabrini-Green housing projects once stood.

The announcement was made by MGM Motion Picture Group president Jonathan Glickman who said the following abut the project. 

“We cannot wait for the world to see what the mind-blowing combination of Jordan, Win and Nia bring to the legend of Candyman… They have created a story that will not only pay reverence to Clive Barker’s haunting and brilliant source material but is also thoroughly modern and will bring in a whole new generation of fans.”

Glickman refers to Monkeypaw Productions’  Win Rosenfeld who is also producing alongside Peel and Nia DaCosta who will direct. Peele added…

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… 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 big question is will we see Tony Todd return to his role? Well, it’s not clear at the moment as the man himself chatted with toofab about the new film. He was a little coy with the details, but it does sound a little like he could be on-board. 

“Come on, if the fans want it, you gotta give the people what they want… As long as it’s done well, and Jordan is an intelligent screenwriter. I know he would probably do his very best… I’m sure if it’s done, they’ll find a way to feed me, I’ll do more than pop up.”

The film starts filming this coming spring for a June 12th, 2020 release. I guess we’ll get more news as the production picks up.