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‘Candyman’ Director Nia DaCosta On Why Her Version Of The Cult Classic Leans Towards All Things Black

Both DaCosta and co-writer Jordan Peele wanted to change things up in the horror film which hits theaters on August 27.

Before she takes on the mighty task of  bringing superheroes to life in “The Marvels,” the upcoming sequel to “Captain Marvel,” director Nia DaCosta takes on the task of telling a villain’s tale in the new “Candyman” film. 

RELATED: INTERVIEW: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II And Teyonah Parris Explain The Unfinished Business In The New ‘Candyman’

DaCosta is at the helm of the sequel to the 1992 cult classic in this revised version which follows a visual artist, who after learning the tale of a vengeful spirit, summons the Candyman through his artwork. In doing so, he unveils a past that will unravel his own sanity. The cast stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonnah Parris, Colman Domingo, Vanessa Estelle Williams, with Tony Todd reprising his role as  Daniel Robitaille / Candyman. 

RELATED: WATCH: Actor Colman Domingo And Mental Health And Cultural Experts Explore The Deeper Meaning Behind ‘Candyman’

BET.com spoke to DaCosta about the biggest difference between the 1992 version and the 2021 reimagined film.

“The biggest shift is perspective. The first film follows Helen, who is doing a thesis and finds out the story about Cabrini-Green, which leads her to investigate a neighborhood she’s not a part of,” says DaCosta. “This film shifts the point of view so it’s less about the person looking in, and more about the person she was looking at. We really see the Candyman story from a Black perspective.” 

Watch DaCosta provide even more insight into the making of “Candyman” below. 

2020 Universal Pictures and MGM Pictures

© 2020 Universal Pictures and MGM Pictures. All Rights Reserved. CANDYMAN TM MGM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

2020 Universal Pictures and MGM Pictures

Brace yourself as “Candyman” slashes in theatres on Friday, August 27th.

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