Sam Raimi directs Magic remake for Lionsgate with Send Help writers

Sam Raimi is set to direct the Magic remake for Lionsgate, stepping up from his initial producer role on the 1978 puppet horror cult classic. As reported by Deadline, the Evil Dead director will reunite with Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, the writing duo behind January's horror comedy Send Help.

What this means for horror fans

According to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson, Raimi represents "one of the truly great matches of director and material" for this project. The studio executives are confident the script delivers, with Fogelson stating they "could not be more excited to see Sam's direction and creative vision take it to another level."

This signals a return to Raimi's horror roots after his recent departure from the Spider-Man franchise. Following his recent confirmation that Spider-Man 4 isn't happening, horror fans are getting the director back where he arguably belongs — crafting genuinely unsettling experiences.

The timing suggests Lionsgate is banking on nostalgia and Raimi's proven horror credentials to revitalise a story that's been dormant for nearly five decades. With Magic, we're not talking about a mainstream horror property — this is cult territory, which makes the investment interesting.

About the original Magic

According to the original 1978 release, Magic starred Anthony Hopkins as Corky, a ventriloquist whose puppet Fats becomes increasingly controlling. Directed by Richard Attenborough and written by William Goldman, 20th Century Fox marketed it as a "terrifying love story" about a doll eager to dominate its master.

The film earned cult status despite modest box office returns, largely due to Hopkins' unsettling dual performance and the genuinely creepy puppet design. For UAE audiences unfamiliar with the original, imagine Chucky but with psychological horror instead of slasher elements — more mind games, fewer chase sequences.

The Send Help reunion

According to their joint statement on X, Swift and Shannon are "running the Send Help gang back for more." The writing duo seem genuinely excited, declaring "MAGIC is happening and Sam is directing. Rejoice horror fans, this is gonna be insane."

Their collaboration on Send Help apparently impressed Raimi enough to bring them along for Magic. The horror-comedy credentials suggest they understand both scares and laughs — potentially crucial for a story that walks the line between psychological terror and camp.

Roy Lee (Weapons, It) joins as producer alongside Chris Hammond, Tim Sullivan, and Raimi Productions' Zainab Azizi. Vertigo's Andrew Childs, Nathan Kahane, and Paul Fishkin are executive producing.

What we don't know yet

According to the announcement, the remake's plot details remain under wraps beyond the basic puppet-controls-ventriloquist premise. Cast announcements haven't been made, and there's no release date or production timeline.

For UAE audiences wondering about local availability, that information hasn't been revealed either. Horror remakes typically find their way to regional platforms like OSN+ or StarzPlay eventually, but official distribution details will come closer to release.

The lack of cast details is particularly intriguing — who takes on Anthony Hopkins' dual role will significantly impact the film's tone and credibility. That's a substantial acting challenge that requires both dramatic range and puppet-handling skills.

When and where to watch

No release date has been announced for the Magic remake. UAE distribution details will likely be confirmed closer to the film's completion, with horror titles typically arriving on regional streaming platforms or in cinemas depending on the scale of release Lionsgate chooses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is directing the Magic remake?

Sam Raimi, known for the Evil Dead franchise and Spider-Man trilogy, is directing the Magic remake for Lionsgate. He was originally attached only as a producer before stepping into the director's chair.

Who wrote the script for the Magic remake?

Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, the writing team behind the horror comedy Send Help, are penning the script. They previously collaborated with Raimi on that project.

What was the original Magic movie about?

The 1978 film starred Anthony Hopkins as Corky, a ventriloquist whose puppet Fats becomes increasingly controlling. Directed by Richard Attenborough, it was marketed as a psychological horror about a puppet eager to dominate its master.

When will the Magic remake be released?

No release date has been announced yet. The project is still in early development, with cast and production timeline details yet to be revealed.

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