Aquaman’s Yahya Abdul Mateen II in talks to play Candyman in new movie

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

A new CANDYMAN movie is on the way from producer Jordan Peele (GET OUT), and naturally, that has sparked conversations about who could play the title villain, so famously played by Tony Todd in the original series. Perhaps the biggest piece of the puzzle has now been solved, as word is AQUAMAN actor Yahya Abdul Mateen II has entered talks to take on the lead role of the hook-handed spirit.

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As is often the case in these matters, nothing is official yet, but Variety says the talks are happening, and if he takes the role, he will be haunting a graduate student investigating the legend of Candyman for a thesis on urban legends, which Lakeith Stanfield was last reported to be in talks to play. Set to be directed by Nia DaCosta (LITTLE WOODS), the movie is described as a “spiritual sequel” to the original starring Todd and Virginia Madsen, taking place in a now-gentrified area of Chicago where the Cabrini-Green projects once stood.

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Abdul-Mateen entered the minds of many viewers with his role as the villainous Black Manta in last year’s AQUAMAN, which is currently climbing the box office well past $1 billion at the global box office. As well, he broke out on the Netflix show THE GET DOWN, and had roles in BAYWATCH, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN and has a role in Peele’s next directorial effort, US, due on March 22.

While nothing is set in stone yet, I think Abdul-Mateen is an excellent choice to play the big baddie in a new CANDYMAN movie. He has demonstrated some impressive range in such a short time as an actor, and while he didn't get a ton of time in AQUAMAN he did have a strong presence as an actor, and it was enough to make me hope they use him more effectively in the sequel – which will no doubt happen. Between that massive movie and hopefully securing this gig, we should expect to see much more of this actor in the future. 

CANDYMAN is currently set for June 2020.