Master of Macabre Returns: Raimi Conjures New 'Magic'

Raimi's New Project: A Return to Chills

Acclaimed director Sam Raimi has selected his next significant project. Following his recent success with the gripping survival thriller 'Send Help,' released by 20th Century/Disney earlier this year, Raimi is now slated to direct 'Magic,' a Lionsgate production. This film is a contemporary reinterpretation of the 1978 cult horror movie, famously starring Anthony Hopkins as a ventriloquist grappling with a deteriorating mental state.

Behind the Scenes: The Production Team

Raimi's involvement with the 'Magic' remake began last year when he joined as a producer, securing the project for Lionsgate. The production team also includes Roy Lee, alongside Chris Hammond and Tim Sullivan, who have been instrumental in the film's development. Their persistent efforts were key to acquiring the original rights and nurturing the project to its current stage.

Crafting the Narrative: The Screenwriters

The screenplay for 'Magic' was crafted by the writing duo Mark Swift and Damian Shannon. This team previously collaborated with Raimi on 'Send Help' and is recognized for their contributions to the horror genre, having also penned 'Freddy vs. Jason' and the remake of 'Friday the 13th.' Their expertise in suspense and horror promises a fresh yet faithful adaptation of the original story.

The Original 'Magic': A Synopsis

The original 'Magic' film featured Anthony Hopkins in the lead role as Corky, a magician who achieves notoriety with his sharp-tongued ventriloquist's dummy, Fats. As Corky faces the critical decision of signing a television network deal, his fear of exposing his fragile psychological condition leads him to retreat to the Catskills. There, he attempts to rekindle an old romance from high school, but his plans are menacingly disrupted as Fats begins to exert a murderous control over events, escalating the tension and horror.