After first being announced more than two years ago, we finally have some information on the forthcoming Blacula reboot. Director Deon Taylor’s film is now set to arrive in time for Halloween 2024. While no specific release date has been set, Variety brings word that Taylor’s reimagining of the Blaxploitation classic is coming our way next year during the spooky season. Plan accordingly.
Deon Taylor (Meet the Blacks, Fear) and Roxanne Avent Taylor, who produces the upcoming reboot, will be presenting a special Halloween screening of the original Blacula on October 24 at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills California, in partnership with the African American Film Critics Association. Variety brought word of the release window for the reboot in reporting on the screening, which is meant to celebrate the film’s 50-year legacy. Deon Taylor had this to say about it:
“We are creating an evening that transcends time as we bring together prestigious filmmakers and trailblazers to pay homage to this iconic classic. Blacula was a celebration of storytelling that influenced Blaxploitation filmmaking. The film’s legacy has echoed through the years with contemporary films like Blade and Morbius. As a filmmaker, it’s a privilege to have the rich experience of bringing the film back to life. On Halloween, we are going to uplift and celebrate the film for the impact it left on the cinematic landscape.”
AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson had this to add:
“As Black producers, directors and creatives, Deon and Roxanne have consistently demonstrated a winning formula for making films that create significant platforms for relevant contemporary issues, especially those that impact Black communities. I am not surprised that they are celebrating Blacula and expect that it will resonate with as much cultural significance as the original.”
Very little has been revealed by way of specifics in regard to the new film, though this new report reveals that it “will be set in a metropolitan city post-coronavirus pandemic.” Deon Taylor co-wrote the screenplay with Micah Ranum. There is no word yet on who will be starring in the title role, for example, but they will be following in the footsteps of William Marshall, who played the part in both the original and its sequel, Scream Blacula Scream. What we do have, however, are some story details for the upcoming film. The synopsis reads as follows:
“Blacula is an ancient African prince who is cursed by Dracula after he fails to agree to end the slave trade. Blacula is entombed and awakens 200 years later ready to avenge the death of his ancestors and of those responsible for robbing his people of their work, culture and heritage as they appropriated it for profit.”
The other thing that remains a little unclear for the time being is how, precisely, the film will be released. MGM, Bron and Hidden Empire Film Group partnered on the project. MGM was acquired by Amazon last year, so a streaming release on Prime Video is certainly not out of the question. But Amazon Studios could absolutely give it a theatrical release as well, it all depends on what the suits decide is best. Stay tuned.
Look for the new Blacula next Halloween season.
