‘Candyman’ 1992: This Famous Actor Was the First Choice, Not Tony Todd
Tony Todd didn’t disappear after the 1992 Candyman. But some horror fans almost forgot about him. The original Candyman underperformed at the box office but later became a cult classic. Now that he’s back, say Candyman’s name five times and fall hook, line, and sinker to his wrath.
Many horror enthusiasts might already know that Todd wasn’t the first choice to play Candyman. But some modern viewers don’t know who the other choice was.
Tony Todd starred in all four ‘Candyman’ films
In case anyone hasn’t heard, there are four Candyman films. The sequels Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh and Candyman: Day of the Dead followed after the 1992 original.
Sometimes, actors don’t return as their original villains to wreak havoc. Take Halloween, for example—Nick Castle and Tony Moran didn’t return for every other installment. Nevertheless, Todd reprised his role and helped establish Candyman as a franchise.
The 2021 film focuses on its main actors, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Teyonah Parris. So where and when does Todd reappear? Viewers can find out if they see it in theaters.
Todd’s career didn’t start and stop as Daniel Robitaille. The actor is also known for his roles in the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series and other horror movies such as the Night of the Living Dead remake and the Final Destination franchise.
Who else could have played Candyman in 1992?
Although Todd is the official face of Candyman, the casting process involved more than one actor. To some fans’ surprise, the 1992 production wanted another face over Todd.
According to Screen Rant, the film considered comedian and actor Eddie Murphy for the horror role. However, hiring the famous Saturday Night Live cast member could have been expensive. Not only that, but some believe his five-foot-nine height played a factor as well. Many horror fans were surprised that the comedian was considered for the role.
Murphy had only starred in a few horror-themed flicks from the 1990s through the early 2000s, including Vampire in Brooklyn and The Haunted Mansion.
But viewers wonder how Murphy would have approached the role. After all, audiences recognized him for his comedic characters. So fans think Murphy stepping into Candyman’s shoes could have been interesting.
‘Candyman’ 2021 is a ‘spiritual sequel’ to the 1992 film
The 2021 Candyman forgoes the events from the Farewell to the Flesh and Day of the Dead sequels. Marketed as a “spiritual sequel” of 1992 by director Nia DaCosta, Candyman enraptures horror enthusiasts with a socially relevant plot.
After 27 years, millennials live in the reinvented Chicago Cabrini-Green neighborhood. Many are unaware of how the legend plagued the neighborhood. But visual artist Anthony uncovers the truth.
Anthony sees an artistic opportunity to showcase the urban legend in his work. But as horror followers know, playing with fire doesn’t end well. Therefore, Anthony faces a problem the more he delves into Candyman’s story.
Some viewers might think they can guess how events unfold, but they should think again. DaCosta’s film pulls its audience on a ride that quickly takes a sharp turn in the end. The main characters witness the presence of systemic racism in modern society.
The audience ultimately questions whether Candyman is a villain or if he serves another purpose.
