Ever since original Candyman actor Tony Todd confirmed his involvement in the Jordan Peele-produced reboot, fans hoped that he would be reprising his role as the eponymous terror. We'd caught wind of a new Candyman actor months before, but that didn't stop us from wanting Tony Todd to return to his famous character. Now, if a new report is to be believed, it looks like he might. It may be time to start getting excited.
According to sources close to Bloody Disgusting, Tony Todd will reprise his role as the Candyman in the 2020 film. This contradicts previous reports that Aquaman actor Yahya Abdul Mateen II would portray the title character, but we're not complaining. Todd's turn as the folkloric menace is iconic (and that's putting it lightly). Casting another actor in the role wouldn't feel quite right, even if he did a bang-up job. Such is the nature of reboots and revisitations, I suppose. Almost every reboot ever made proves that it's nearly impossible to outperform an actor or actress who helped define the role in question. Tony Todd is one of these performers, so getting his signature on a contract would be more than ideal.
1992's Candyman centered around a Chicago graduate student investigating an urban legend. Tony Todd starred as the Candyman while Virginia Madsen portrayed protagonist Helen Lyle.
Many fans and (and even some critics) consider the film to be a horror classic, an opinion we can certainly support with few reservations. But even though Jordan Peele is actively involved, this new film could end up being lackluster. It is always a possibility, especially with horror remakes and reboots. “Reboot risk” aside, though, the film has always had Tony Todd's support. He has been vocal about wanting Jordan Peele to revive the franchise, basically claiming that the Get Out director's intelligence, skill, and perspective are the only things that could make a reboot work. Heck, Peele is even planning to address toxic fandom here. Leave it to Jordan Peele to address a cultural problem with passion and pointedness. We are super lucky to have him.
Acclaimed writer/director Nia DaCosta is directing the reboot while Jordan Peele is writing and producing. DaCosta rose to prominence in April 2018 with her feature film debut Little Woods, which proved to be a home-run at that year's Tribeca Film Festival. Tessa Thompson and Lily James both starred in the film. Neon released it a year later.
What do you think of these new developments? Are you excited for the reboot? Do you think the news is coming from reputable insiders or are you still skeptical? Sound off in the comments below and remember that there are still so many great-looking movies slated for release in 2019! Don't sleep on 'em!
