Sam Raimi to Direct Horror Remake of Classic Ventriloquist Dummy Film 'Magic' for Lionsgate

Sam Raimi will direct Lionsgate’s modern adaptation of William Goldman’s novel ‘Magic’, TheWrap has exclusively learned.

It was previously announced that Raimi will produce the project alongside Roy Lee, producer of ‘It’ and ‘Weapons’.

“Sam is the dream director for this project—in fact, his coming aboard represents one of the truly great matches of director and material,” Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said in a statement. “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.”

The original ‘Magic’ (1978) starred Anthony Hopkins as Corky, a magician whose fame rises alongside his ventriloquist dummy, the obnoxious and wisecracking Fats—whom Corky cannot control. The film also featured Ann-Margret and Burgess Meredith, with direction by Richard Attenborough. The screenplay was written by Goldman, based on his novel.

Chris Hammond and Tim Sullivan, longtime champions of the project, will produce alongside Raimi and Lee. Raimi Productions’ Zainab Azizi will also produce, while Nathan Kahane and Paul Fishkin will executive produce alongside Andrew Childs for Vertigo.

The script is written by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, reuniting with Raimi and Azizi from their 2024 film ‘Send Help’ for 20th Century Studios.

Meredith Wieck and Pavan Kalidindi are overseeing the project for Lionsgate.

Raimi, best known for the ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Spider-Man’ franchises, recently directed the hit ‘Send Help’, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. The film, which he produced with Azizi, was the #1 box office hit for two consecutive weeks earlier this year and grossed nearly $100 million worldwide.

Raimi is represented by CAA and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.

Deadline first reported the news.