Tony Todd is one of the greatest — and most underrated — actors in the history of the horror genre. Jordan Peele is perhaps the most exciting and innovative filmmaker in horror today. Put them together and the result is sure to be something incredible.
That’s what Todd is hoping for anyway, as the titular star of ’90s cult classic horror flick Candyman has revealed that he is willing to play any role he can get his hands on in Peele’s upcoming remake of the film. “I want to be a part of the project one way or the other,” Todd told Bloody Disgusting in a recent interview. “Of course, I’d want to be a part of it. I helped create this character. I helped bring him to life … I know the character inside and out.”
It’s unclear if Peele and director Nia DaCosta wish to once again cast Todd in his iconic role or go in another direction, and Todd isn’t sure of their plans either — he just wants in. “I haven’t talked to [Peele] yet, but I know he’s a fan,” Todd said. “They’re not going to shoot until deep this year so contracts are weird. You don’t want to get into contracts too soon because then you’re locked in.” Regardless of whether or not he ends up in the film, though, Todd is supportive of the reboot and has every confidence that it will be great. “I know that it’s in good hands with Jordan Peele,” he said. “I love his new trailer for Us and I know he loves the character and he respects the legacy. No matter what my personal involvement is, the fact that it’s getting done again will just bring new attention to the original source material. So it’s a win-win for everybody and a win-win for horror fans.”
Hopefully Todd can land some kind of involvement in the Candyman reboot, but even if he doesn’t, it’s good to see how supportive he is of the project. After all, this is a guy you definitely want on your side.
