Thescreescore – Sam Raimi, the maestro behind the Evil Dead franchise, and Roy Lee, the prolific producer of The Ring, are teaming up to resurrect Richard Attenborough’s 1978 cult horror classic, Magic. This isn’t just any remake; it’s a high-stakes gamble to recapture the chilling magic of Anthony Hopkins’ performance in a film boasting an 87% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The project, currently in development at Lionsgate, will see Mark Swift and Damian Shannon penning the script.
This news comes as a surprise, given that Roy Lee previously hinted at a Sam Raimi-directed version on the Post Mortem with Mick Garris podcast in 2022. While Raimi’s involvement as director remains unconfirmed, his presence as a producer ensures the project will carry his signature blend of horror and dark humor. The lack of a director attached, however, adds a layer of intrigue, leaving fans to speculate whether Raimi will ultimately step behind the camera.
The original Magic, starring Hopkins and Ann-Margret, centered on a ventriloquist tormented by his malevolent dummy. The film’s enduring appeal, even after decades, is a testament to its clever script and Hopkins’ unforgettable portrayal. The timing couldn’t be better for a reboot, considering the current resurgence of interest in killer-doll horror, exemplified by recent successes like Annabelle, Child’s Play, and M3GAN.
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This remake has the potential to be a major event. The combination of Raimi’s visionary direction (should he helm the project) and Lee’s production expertise promises a faithful yet innovative adaptation. The question remains: will the new Magic capture the unsettling brilliance of the original, or will it fall short of its predecessor’s legacy? The possibility of cameos from Hopkins or Ann-Margret further fuels the anticipation. This is a horror remake worth watching.
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