Raimi reanimates 'magic': send help crew joins twisted puppet horror remake

Sam Raimi, the architect of terrifying cinematic experiences from ‘Evil Dead’ to ‘Spider-Man,’ is diving back into the horror genre – and this time, he’s bringing a whole team of unsettling talent with him.

A shocking return for the master of macabre

Lionsgate has officially greenlit a remake of the 1978 cult classic ‘Magic,’ and Raimi’s involvement is generating serious buzz. Initially attached only as a producer, the filmmaker has now stepped into the director’s chair, signaling a potentially radical reimagining of the story about a ventriloquist doll with a dangerously possessive agenda.

The project reunites Raimi with the writing duo behind ‘Send Help,’ Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, who delivered a delightfully chaotic horror-comedy that proved surprisingly popular. As Lionsgate Chair Adam Fogelson succinctly put it, ‘Sam is the dream director for this project—in fact, his coming aboard represents one of the truly great matches of director and material.’

But this isn’t just a director-for-hire situation. Roy Lee, producer of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘It,’ is also on board, alongside Chris Hammond and Tim Sullivan. Adding further intrigue, Zainab Azizi, Raimi Productions’ powerhouse producer and previously key to the success of ‘Send Help,’ is returning to helm the logistical and creative aspects of the remake.

A twisted legacy, a new generation

The original ‘Magic,’ starring Anthony Hopkins as both the unsettling Corky and his malevolent puppet, Fats, established a unique brand of disturbing storytelling. Essentially, it was a horrifying tale of a doll desperately seeking control, a concept that clearly resonated with Raimi and his collaborators. As Shannon and Swift themselves quipped, ‘That’s right. we are running the Send Help gang back for more,’ hinting at a shared creative vision and a willingness to embrace the film’s inherent weirdness.

While details regarding the plot, casting, and release date remain shrouded in mystery – a calculated move, undoubtedly – one thing is clear: this ‘Magic’ remake promises a blend of Raimi’s signature visual flair and the unsettling sensibilities that made ‘Send Help’ such a standout. Expect the unexpected.