Lionsgate has announced that Sam Raimi will direct a new adaptation of the 1978 puppet horror movie, Magic. Raimi, known for his work on the Evil Dead and Spider-Man franchises, will be joined by some of the crew behind the horror comedy Send Help.
Deadline reports that Raimi has signed on to helm the project, which is a modern adaptation of William Goldman’s novel of the same name. The film will be written by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, who also worked on Send Help. This collaboration marks a reunion for Raimi with the writers, with whom he previously worked as a producer.
“Sam is the dream director for this project – in fact, his coming aboard represents one of the truly great matches of director and material,”
said Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
“The script is fantastic, and we could not be more excited to see Sam’s direction and creative vision take it to another level. We are absolutely thrilled he has chosen to direct the film.”
The original Magic premiered in 1978 and starred Anthony Hopkins as both a ventriloquist named Corky and his lively puppet, Fats. Directed by Richard Attenborough and written by William Goldman, the film was sold as a “terrifying love story” about a doll that becomes eager to flip the script and gain control of its master.
The production team behind Magic includes producer Roy Lee, who worked on Weapons and It, as well as Chris Hammond and Tim Sullivan. Raimi Productions’ Zainab Azizi, who also produced Send Help, will also be involved.
On the executive production side, Vertigo’s Andrew Childs, Nathan Kahane, and Paul Fishkin are attached. Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee the movie. Details on the plot, cast, and release date have not been announced.
“That’s right… we are running the Send Help gang back for more,”
said Shannon and Swift in a joint statement posted to their X account.
“MAGIC is happening and Sam is directing. Rejoice horror fans, this is gonna be insane.”
The news comes after the release of Send Help earlier this year, which received a 9/10 review.
