While it was previously reported that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II had signed on to take the title role in Nia DaCosta’s upcoming Candyman movie, now comes a slight update on that matter.

Originally, it was believed that Abdul-Mateen II – recently seen as the nefarious Black Manta in Aquaman – was taking on the Daniel Robitaille/Candyman role played so famously by Tony Todd in the three Candyman pictures to date. Now though, DaCosta herself has clarified that that isn’t technically the case.

Speaking to Collider, DaCosta explained, “Well, it’s been slightly misreported. I can’t say what’s happening in the film because we want it to be a surprise, but he’s not replacing Tony Todd. That’s been reported, and I was just like, ‘I don’t know what to say about this. This is not right.’”

What we do know is that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is definitely signed on to star in what’s seemingly just titled Candyman right now. One school of thought is that Abdul-Mateen II is playing a new character who somehow ends up taking on the moniker of Candyman. And if that is indeed the case, well, that certainly throws up the opportunity to have Tony Todd make an appearance in the film…

To be produced by Jordan Peele, Candyman will see the feature return to the area that once housed the Cabrini-Green housing projects. This time out, we find a new group of poor souls wishing to explore the legend of the infamous Candyman. Which we all know, we likely not end well for the majority of those involved.

At this point, Candyman is booked in for a June 12th, 2020 release.