For the last 15 years, a Sam Raimi movie has sadly been a rare occurrence, but the director seems to be getting back into more regular projects following the release of Send Help with an adaptation of William Goldman’s Magic.
Magic
Goldman’s novel was previously adapted in 1978, with Richard Attenborough directing and Anthony Hopkins playing the lead role. The story follows “a ventriloquist who finds himself controlled by his malicious puppet at a time when he has a chance to find happiness with a rekindled romance.”
Deadline reports that the project is set up at Lionsgate, with Raimi directing from a script by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon.
“Sam is the dream director for this project — in fact, his coming aboard represents one of the truly great matches of director and material,” said Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “The script is fantastic, and we could not be more excited to see Sam’s direction and creative vision take it to another level. We are absolutely thrilled he has chosen to direct the film.“
Raimi was already set to produce the project, but there had been rumblings that he might direct. Producer Roy Lee actually let it slip four years ago on Post Mortem with Mick Garris podcast. “I’ve only worked with [Sam Raimi] as a producer on films… actually… the first time I’m gonna work with him as a director is on a remake of Magic,” Roy Lee said. “Which is something that we’re working on now. The Anthony Hopkins movie. We’re just actually hearing the final versions of the different takes from writers next week… [Sam] loved the original movie and the book written by William Goldman.“
Lee is producing alongside Raimi, Chris Hammond, Tim Sullivan, and Zainab Azizi.
Send Help
Raimi’s Send Help was released earlier this year and was only his third film in the last 15 years. The story follows a ruthless boss (Dylan O’Brien) and his overlooked employee (Rachel McAdams), who are stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash, and their roles quickly reverse.
In his review, our own Ryan Cultera said, “All in all, this film is a return to form in every way you’d expect. From top to bottom, Raimi and his cast guide us through a wild ride that keeps you fully engaged from start to finish. While there are a few logical threads one could pull at, they’re barely worth mentioning, as you’re far more likely to walk out deeply satisfied with the experience you’ve just had. The film thrives in its insanity, as well as in its devotion to reversal, watching an underdog relish the reclamation of her power.“
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