Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is reportedly in talks to star as the title character in the sequel to the original 1992 movie.
- February 27, 2019
AceShowbiz - Jordan Peele has found the new Candyman in "Aquaman" star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The actor, who recently appeared in the DC superhero movie as the villain Black Manta, is reportedly in negotiations to star in the sequel to 1992's horror movie "Candyman" as the title character.
Variety notes though that the deal has not been sealed yet. Should he sign up for the new movie, the 32-year-old actor will take over the role from Tony Todd, who portrayed the character in the original movie as well as its two sequels, "Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh" (1995) and "Candyman: Day of the Dead" (1999).
Abdul-Mateen II is also known for his portrayal of Cadillac on Netflix's series "The Get Down" which was created by Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgis. He has additionally starred in 2017's movies "Baywatch" and "The Greatest Showman". He recently worked together with Peele for his upcoming directorial work, a psychological thriller titled "Us", which follows up his 2017 horror hit "Get Out". He is next set to star on HBO's "Watchmen" series in a role which is yet to be disclosed.
The new Candyman movie has "Little Woods" director and writer Nia DaCosta on board to direct. Peele will write the script along with Win Rosenfeld. Peele and Rosenfeld will also produce through Monkeypaw Productions, teaming up with MGM which is financing the project.
Instead of a reboot, the upcoming movie is described as a "spiritual sequel" to the original film from director Bernard Rose. Variety previously reported the new movie would return to the neighborhood where the legend began: the now-gentrified section of Chicago where the Cabrini-Green housing projects once stood. Production is expected to begin next spring, for a June 12, 2020 release.
The original movie tells the story of Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen), a Chicago graduate student who is researching urban legend about the Candyman for her thesis. She learns that Candyman (Todd) is an artist and son of a slave who had his hand severed and was then murdered with bees by his lover's father.
