Lionsgate has announced that is developing a remake of the cult 1978 psychological horror film Magic. The remake will be produced by Sam Raimi, the legendary creator of The Evil Dead and Roy Lee, who produced It and Weapons. Lee also worked on The Long Walk and The Strangers – Chapter 2, and will next be producing The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, based on a Stephen King book. Joining them as producers are Chris Hammond and Tim Sullivan.
Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, who wrote Raimi’s upcoming survival horror/thriller Send Help are set to write the screenplay. It’s important to note that Lionsgate worked with Sullivan and Hammond closely, and as a result, they were able to get the rights holders of the original Magic to get on board the “reimagined” version that will eventually be released.
Magic was packed with big-name actors, and featured the great Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs) in the lead role as a ventriloquist named Corky. In the film, Corky is becoming a little psychologically unhinged, and becomes convinced that his foul-mouthed dummy Fats has actually come to life, and cannot be controlled.
Burgess Meredith appeared as Corky’s agent Greene, who wants Corky to cash in on his and Fats’ success (only achieved when Corky changed his act from the standard corny ventriloquist patter to more adult humor-driven) by appearing in their own television show. Corky bails though, because he is worried that he won’t be able to pass the required medical examination due to his deteriorating mental issues.
Ann-Margret portrayed Peggy, who Corky had a crush in when they were in high school. Peggy is in a loveless marriage with another former classmate, but she and Corky end up in an affair, which causes Fats to become jealous…and jealous Fats becomes murderous Fats.
Magic was based on the novel of the same title, written by William Goldman. Goldman also wrote the novels The Princess Bride and The Marathon Man, both of which were made into acclaimed films.
When Magic was released in November of 1978, its trailer caused quite a sensation. Many networks actually removed it from their broadcasts due to complaints that it was too disturbing for children. You can watch the original trailer at the end of this article and judge for yourself, but yeah. It’s pretty freaking scary!
There is no word currently from Lionsgate on when the Magic reboot may come to theatres, but yours truly will be there!