Jordan Peele has chosen a new actor to take on the role of Candyman. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is in talks to star in the lead role of the horror film remake, according to Variety. Abdul-Mateen portrayed Black Manta in Aquaman. Other acting credits include the upcoming Watchmen TV series on HBO, as well as Peele's Us.
The Candyman reboot is being described as a "spiritual sequel" to the original. The movie will take place at the now-gentrified section of Chicago where the Cabrini-Green housing projects once stood, which was the setting of the original film.
Tony Todd, the original Candyman who had previously expressed his interest in appearing in the reboot, offered his blessings on Twitter following the news of Abdul-Mateen taking up the character.
\u201cCheers to #Candyman a woderful character Ive lived w for 25 years. He's brought grace and glory & a beautiful boatload of friends & famly #teamtoddster's \nim honored that the spirit of #DanielRobatiell #cabrinigreen Rises again. Truth to power! Blessings 2 the cast & crew\u201d
"...I know Jordan is a fan of the character and moi, which is wonderful to hear and I’m a fan of his," Todd said. "…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," Todd added. "It’s an iconic character that has withstood the test of time."
Peele is producing the reboot while Nia DaCosta is directing.
