Aquaman star tapped for Candyman revamp

Aquaman actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has landed another villainous role as the star of Jordan Peele's horror revamp Candyman.

The Get Out director co-wrote the screenplay with Win Rosenfeld for a new take on the Clive Barker short story The Forbidden, which inspired the 1992 big screen adaptation, starring Tony Todd as the knife-wielding killer of urban legend.

Now Yahya, who portrayed Aquaman's nemesis Black Manta in the DC Comics blockbuster, is in talks to take on the classic character, according to Variety.

Peele and Rosenfeld will produce the project, while Little Woods writer/director Nia DaCosta has signed on to take charge of the shoot.

The new Candyman has been described by MGM Pictures bosses as a "spiritual sequel" to the original movie, instead of a remake, and will take fans back to the Chicago, Illinois neighbourhood terrorised in the first film.

In a statement announcing the news of the franchise reboot in November (18), Peele said, "The original was a landmark film for black representation in the horror genre. Alongside Night of the Living Dead, Candyman was a major inspiration for me as a filmmaker - and to have a bold new talent like Nia at the helm of this project is truly exciting.

"We are honoured to bring the next chapter in the Candyman canon to life and eager to provide new audiences with an entry point to Clive Barker's legend."

Production on Candyman is set to begin in the spring (19), ahead of a June, 2020 release.

It won't be Abdul-Mateen II's first time working with Peele - he will also feature in the actor-turned-filmmaker's next thriller, Us.