Since it was still but only a rumor, horror fans have been in a tizzy at the whispers of a new Candyman. When the reboot was confirmed, and with genre-darling Jordan Peele producing, well – the buzzing only increased (#beepun).

Rumors began flying on who would portray the titular role. Would Tony Todd Return? Had Get Out’s Lakeith Stanfield signed-on? Well, we now have confirmation via Variety that Candyman will be portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman). Abdul-Mateen is set to appear in Peele’s highly anticipated Us out next month, as well as HBO’s Watchmen series. Though nothing has been double-underline confirmed, Abdul-Mateen is in talks for the role, and several outlets are already on board with the casting news. Though I can’t say I’ve seen his work – he looks like a ..dare I say.. stud muffin? And if there’s anything the role requires, it’s that. Sooo, I’m all for it.

Director Nia DaCosta (Little Woods) will helm the film, working from a screenplay co-written by Peele and Win Rosenfeld. Shooting is slated to start next spring, with Universal Pictures set to release the movie theatrically in June, 2020.

And, if your worried about Sir Tony Todd’s blessing of the project, fret not. Our very own DeVaughn Taylor spoke with the Horror Icon Tony Todd himself at the world premiere of Hell Fest. When asked about a possible Candyman reboot and the film’s legacy, Todd spoke highly of Peele, saying;

…I’m honored. If Jordan wants to do it, do it. I know I’d rather have him do it, someone with intelligence, who’s going to be thoughtful and dig into the whole racial makeup of who Candyman is and why he existed in the first place. I know he’ll give homage and I know that if it gets made, I’ll have a plate at the table one way or the other.

We’ll keep you posted as new Candyman news develops. In the meantime, join the conversation with the Nightmare on Film Street community over on Twitter, our official Subreddit, or the Fiend Club Facebook Group!