A sequel/reboot of the 1972 cult classic Blacula is set to be released next Halloween.
According to Variety, director Deon Taylor’s (Meet The Blacks) reimagining of the Blaxploitation classic is coming our way next year during the spooky season.
“Blacula is about 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.”
Taylor and Roxanne Avent Taylor, who is a producer on 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.
“Blacula is arguably one of the most prestigious Black franchises and so important to the culture as it birthed a groundswell of Blaxploitation-horror films, which changed the game for how our people were seen on the big screen,” Taylor said in a statement to Variety.
“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 added the following:
“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.”
Deon Taylor co-wrote the screenplay with Micah Ranum, and as of this report there is no word on who will star as Blacula in the reboot.
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