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Sam Raimi and Weapons Producer Remaking Cult-Classic 1970s Horror Movie
For decades, Sam Raimi has been a defining force in horror, renowned for his distinctive blend of kinetic camerawork, gruesome practical effects, and dark humor that has captivated audiences worldwide. His career was launched by the unrelenting terror of 1981’s The Evil Dead, a film that became an instant cult classic and spawned a beloved franchise. Beyond his own directorial efforts like Drag Me to Hell and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Raimi has used his influence to champion new voices in horror through his production company, Ghost House Pictures, backing projects like Don’t Breathe and The Grudge. Now, the celebrated filmmaker is lending his expertise to the revival of a classic psychological horror film from 1978.
Lionsgate is developing a remake of the ventriloquist dummy horror film Magic, reveals The Hollywood Reporter, with Sam Raimi and Raimi Productions’ Zainab Azizi set to produce. They are joined by producer Roy Lee, a modern horror heavyweight whose company, Vertigo Entertainment, has been behind such massive hits as the It films, The Ring, and The Grudge. Lee is also a producer on this summer’s box office smash Weapons, which has dominated the domestic charts and grossed over $239 million worldwide against a modest $38 million budget. Penning the script for the Magic remake are Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, a writing duo well-versed in resurrecting horror icons, having previously written Freddy vs. Jason and the 2009 remake of Friday the 13th. Rounding up the producers’ team are Chris Hammond and Tim Sullivan, who helped secure the original movie’s rights for Lionsgate.
Why Is Magic Such a Beloved Horror Movie?
The original Magic, directed by Richard Attenborough, starred Anthony Hopkins as Corky, a struggling magician who finds immense success after incorporating a foul-mouthed ventriloquist dummy named Fats into his act. As Corky’s fame grows, his mental state deteriorates, and the lines between his personality and the dummy’s begin to blur, leading to paranoia and violence. The film is anchored by a tour-de-force performance from Hopkins, who plays both the painfully shy Corky and voices the aggressive, domineering Fats.
Upon its release, Magic was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its suspenseful direction and powerful performances from Hopkins, Ann-Margret, and Burgess Meredith. The film’s marketing was also iconic, featuring a terrifyingly simple television spot that showed only the dummy’s face while a chilling voice declared, “Magic is fun, we’re dead.” This unsettling campaign helped cement Magic‘s place in the pop culture consciousness of the era.
Over the years, Magic has solidified its status as a cult classic, celebrated for its character-driven horror and its refusal to lean into camp. Unlike many “killer doll” movies, the movie never entirely clear whether Fats is a supernatural entity or simply a manifestation of Corky’s fractured psyche. This psychological depth, combined with Hopkins’ intense and tragic portrayal, has allowed the film to endure.
Have you watched the original Magic? What do you think of the idea of a reboot? Join the discussion in the comments!
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