Anna Daniels
“Be my victim,” rumbles Candyman in his gripping baritone voice. The 1992 film frightened moviegoers with expertly produced horror sequences featuring the cold-blooded, hooked-handed, butcher. Now, the Cabrini-Green killer is back in a new movie that is scheduled for a June 12 release. But, before you dive into the new nightmare, here’s how you can revisit the original Candyman.
The original ‘Candyman’ is now streaming
With the new Candyman movie right around the corner, fans can bone up on the origin story by watching the first film in the series, which was directed by Bernard Rose. With nearly 30 years since the original, re-watching it before checking out the newest iteration can arouse nostalgic sensibilities and tickle any horror lover’s fancy.
Anyone who revisits the Candyman of the ‘90s should be prepped to experience the new scares and spot any potential callbacks and Easter eggs dropped by the filmmakers. Luckily for fans, there are a few ways to watch the original.
Candyman is currently streaming on Netflix, so subscribers can get their fix of gore before the new film is released. Those who are not subscribed to the streaming service can head over to other content providers such as Amazon Prime Video, where the film is available to rent or purchase digitally. Anyone looking to buy a hard copy of Candyman can order the Blu-ray or DVD from online retailers such as Amazon.com and BestBuy.com.
As a bonus, Amazon Prime Video offers subscribers a chance to stream the sequels, Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh and Candyman 3: Day of the Dead, for free. The retail giant also offers both films for purchase on Blu-ray and DVD, respectively.
The saga continues in 2020 with ‘Candyman’
Jordan Peele, who pulled triple duty as the writer, director, and producer of Get Out and Us, is the executive producer and co-writer behind the newest chapter of Candyman. He tapped Nia DaCosta, director of Little Woods, to helm this spiritual sequel, which will be set in Chicago like the original.
Unlike the first Candyman, in which the events occurred on the backdrop of inner-city housing projects, the 2020 installment will take place in a newly gentrified Chicago neighborhood. It will be no surprise if the film tackles tough issues like the effects of gentrification. Considering the earlier work of both Peele and DaCosta, supernatural terrors and social horrors could very well be integrated within the Candyman narrative.
The new ‘Candyman’ features some classic characters
The Candyman trailer dropped big clues about which characters are back for the newest chapter of the story. The franchise welcomes stars from the first movie as well as new faces.
“Shhh. Don’t. Don’t say that,” warns Anne-Marie McCoy in the trailer when her son says, “Candyman.”
The character of Anne-Marie McCoy, played by Vanessa Williams, is back along with the character’s son, Anthony, who was an infant in the 1992 version. Anthony has been recast and is being played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who fans may recognize from Baywatch, Aquaman, and Us.
Also back in the mix is Helen Lyle, originally played by Virginia Madsen and recast with Cassie Kramer in the role. And to the delight of horror fans everywhere, Tony Todd, who originated the role of Candyman, is also back in action.
“I am the writing on the wall. The sweet smell of blood,” Todd hums in the trailer, sending chills down the spines of anxious movie lovers.
Read more: Everything We Know About Jordan Peele’s ‘Candyman’ Sequel So Far
Written by: Cheat
