The New 'Candyman' Trailer Is Here to Scare You Out of Looking in the Mirror

For nearly three decades, horror movie lovers have fallen into two categories: those who've dared to say the word 'candyman' five times while staring into a mirror, and those who haven't. That's the kind of impact this spooky supernatural franchise has had over the years, with the film about a fictional urban legend almost becoming an urban legend itself.

To the joy of slumber party-throwing teens everywhere, the 1992 original sparked follow-ups in 1995 and 1999 — and, thanks to a new 22-years-later third sequel, that's no longer the end of the story. Given that everything old just keeps coming back again, and that 90s nostalgia is the gift that keeps on giving, another Candyman flick was always going to happen eventually. This one was supposed to release last year, in fact, but then the pandemic scared us all instead.

If you're still a little wary — despite its cult status, the initial movie is hardly a masterpiece, and Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh and Candyman: Day of the Dead won the series absolutely zero new fans — Candyman circa 2021 has a few tricks up its sleeves. Firstly, it's directed by Nia DaCosta, whose Tessa Thompson-starring 2018 film Little Woods deserved more attention. Secondly, it's produced and co-written by Jordan Peele, who adds another frightfest to his resume alongside Get Out and Us. And last but by no means least, it features the OG Candyman, Tony Todd, among its cast.

As the first trailer back in 2020 initially explained — and now the just-dropped latest trailer expands upon — the new flick focuses on an artist called Anthony McCoy (Aquaman and Watchmen's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). He decides to start exploring the Candyman legend through his art, a decision that obviously isn't going to turn out well. His girlfriend Brianna (If Beale Street Could Talk's Teyonah Parris), who also runs a gallery, thinks the story is just that. But as Anthony starts investigating the tale, the bee-covered figure starts wreaking havoc again. We all already know why, because that's what happens when folks say his name while looking at their own reflection, but the new sneak peek does offer some more background to the on-screen legend.

For Candyman aficionados, Anthony's own name should ring a bell — he's the son of one of the first film's main characters, which might explain just why he's so obsessed with the eponymous ghoul. That said, while he might think he knows what he's getting himself into, Candyman still knows how to unsettle and unnerve.

Check out the latest trailer below:

Candyman will now open in Australian cinemas on August 26, 2021.