As the first set of casting reports emerge for Nia DaCosta’s Candyman, it’s looking increasingly likely that the franchise’s original star Tony Todd won’t have a major part to play in the “spiritual sequel” to his 1992 film. And while the actor continues to show his support for the project, that’s not to say he’s entirely over the moon about the series moving on without him.
Earlier today, Todd took to social media to admit that he felt hurt by the lack of contact over the next Candyman, but that he still gives the movie his blessing:
“ok for the record was I hurt by not receiving a **** phonecall? absolutely. am I sincere about giving new #candyman my blessing. truth. the character is immortal. btw just received an offer to voice a worldwide documentary. so sometimes the spirits align”
Back in January, Todd told Entertainment Weekly that he won’t take it personally if he’s not invited back to the series, and it seems that the actor is staying true to his word. For comparison, just look at the upcoming Child’s Play reboot, which continues draw scorn and criticism from the franchise’s original cast members and series creator Don Mancini. Evidently, Todd’s acceptant attitude was never a sure thing.
It surely helps that the project is being produced by Get Out helmsman Jordan Peele. In an interview with Dread Central earlier this year, Todd claimed to feel “honored” that “someone of Peele’s caliber” wanted to resurrect a series that he helped launch, and sure enough, the filmmaker’s involvement seems to have built up a level of anticipation around the movie that comfortably exceeds that of your average horror reboot.
As for cast members, while no official announcements have been made yet, reports from recent weeks indicate that Aquaman villain Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and If Beale Street Could Talk star Teyonah Parris are both in talks for roles. In any case, there’ll be plenty of time for further details before the new Candyman hits theaters on June 12th, 2020.