Ever since Candyman made his terrifying big screen debut in 1992, we've been haunted by the legacy of the hook-handed serial killer. The movie introduced us to the horrific yet tragic story of a murdered slave turned boogeyman, indelibly played in basso-voiced glory by Tony Todd.
This year, we're getting the 'spiritual sequel' from director Nia DaCosta (Top Boy) and writer-producer Jordan Peele (Get Out; Us). Anticipation has been steadily building since the release of the arresting shadow puppet trailer, which acted as a haunting reflection of racial violence in all its forms. The trailer reinforced the legacy of pain and suffering underpinning Candyman's own story, and that disquieting sense of unease increases with the latest teaser.
More plot details come to light with the story revolving around artist Anthony (Watchmen's Yahya Abdul Mateen II). With his latest Chicago installation struggling, Anthony hears about the legend of Candyman from Cabrini Green old-timer William Burke (Fear the Walking Dead's Colman Domingo). Cabrini Green is the former Chicago housing project turned gentrified neighbourhood where Anthony now lives, and the site on which Candyman was rumoured to have perished. Anthony's decision to interpret Candyman's tragic fate as a piece of modern art eventually has frightening consequences.
The notion of evil reaching out through history is a suitably spine-tingling one, and the notions of poverty vs gentrification will surely chime in this divided times. Plus, the presence of Todd's unmistakeable voice at the end of the following video is more than enough to make the hairs stand up. Check it out below.
Candyman is scheduled for release on 25th September. Let us know @Cineworld if you're planning to watch it.
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