Nothing is set in stone just yet, but word around the campfire is that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will be taking on the iconic role of Candyman in the 2020 sequel, produced by Jordan Peele.
Abdul-Mateen II is currently in talks to star in the upcoming movie, according to Variety. The actor is most recently known for his portrayal of Black Manta in Aquaman. The movie will be directed by Nia DaCosta, best known for her 2018 film Little Woods.
The next installment of Candyman is not a reboot, but considered more of a spiritual sequel. It will center around the same place as the original film, Cabrini-Green, the notorious Chicago housing project which was widely considered to be one of the most dangerous places in the city during the early '90s. However, since then, the projects have been torn down, and the area has been gentrified. Where the projects once stood is a park, expensive town homes, and a Target. Modern day Cabrini-Green will be the centerpiece for the next movie.
"[Peele, Win Rosenfeld, and DaCosta] have created a story that will not only pay reverence to Clive Barker's haunting and brilliant source material, but is also thoroughly modern and will bring in a whole new generation of fans," said MGM Motion Picture Group president Jonathan Glickman (via Variety).
The original film followed a graduate student investigating a local legend and myth surrounding "Candyman," a game like Bloody Mary where people say a name into a mirror. Then, they end up dead.
Candyman's production is expected to begin next sping, with the movie hitting theaters on June 12, 2020.