Nia DaCosta’s bringing back cult horror flick Candyman in a spiritual sequel. It is all set to hit the theatres (hopefully they’ll open) on 25th September, a delayed-release due to the pandemic. As we saw from the trailer, there were hints of the old fable, and how a new entrant to the ‘Candy Factory’ results in the resurfacing of the neighborhood monster, who shall not be named. But there weren’t any hints as to what his look might be, and if Tony Todd, the original Candyman, will make an appearance or not.

The voice says, tell everyone!

The newest teaser trailer hints at an appearance by the old guy, as the eerie ending of the teaser is a voice saying, “Tell everyone.” If that isn’t scary enough, watch the brilliant clip that Mr. DaCosta uploaded earlier this month. It was a small clip showing shadow puppets and a voice-over from the movie. It is the perfect example of social commentary and cinema combining to make a strong statement, which is exactly the vision that the writer-director Bernard Rose who directed the original version of the movie, had in mind.

The reprisal is a welcome reminder

The original was based on a short story by Clive Barker, a renowned writer of the genre, and aimed to deal with issues of social injustice, the dark history of American Slavery, and how race continues to be an issue of contention. The reprisal of the original sentiments is a welcome reminder to the audience. The timing couldn’t be better. And Jordan Peele is bringing a piece of black history that saw beyond the spectrum of race and became a classic of the genre, widely accepted as one of the well-crafted horror movies.

Will the Candyman be back?

Tony Todd played the monster’s character in the first edition, as well as the two sequels that followed. Virginia Madsen’s character, Helen Lyle, was the female lead in all three. So, the question arises, will we see Todd again as the infamous lead? The teaser might hint at it, but it could be that only his voice remembering the legend exists because the memory of Candyman exists. The voice is calling for Anthony, Abul-Mateen’s character, to embody him. Or better yet, in a flashback from the scary past.

There’s also a painting we saw being painted in the first trailer, which was released in February. The painting we saw in this teaser, and it is Todd’s presence in the form of a painting. Candyman is a killer kept alive by those who believe in him. The legend goes that if you say his name five times while looking in the mirror, he appears. And this forms the basis of the horror story that follows. Like many other horror movies, what begins as a faint juvenile prank, turns into something much more gruesome and blood-struck. Tony Todd’s portrayal of this anti-hero sent chills down the spine of horror fans worldwide.

A marketing masterstroke!

The question around Tony Todd’s appearance is a masterstroke of marketing. With the fans already at the edge of their seats to find out if he reprises the iconic role since it was announced, teasing them, even more, is set to bring in huge ticket collections. The horror fandom is waiting with bated breath to find out the answers.

Source :- Tony Todd’s Appearance!