Blaxploitation was one of the biggest cinematic movements of the 1970s and made many stars from classics like Coffy and Shaft. Of course, like any good cinematic offshoot, Blaxploitation also tackled the horror genre.
Undoubtedly the most famous of these outings is 1972’s Blacula, which spawned a sequel the following year with Scream, Blacula, Scream. Both have gone down as undisputed cult campery classics, with the original recently receiving a 50th anniversary screening.
Now, word reaches us that Blacula will be getting the ultimate honour with a brand-new reboot.
With MGM on board to distribute, Deon Taylor of 2019’s The Intruder is currently on-board to direct and co-write with Micah Ranum, with the project slated for release next Halloween.
The film is described as follows:
“The reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream, and will be set in a metropolitan city post-coronavirus pandemic.”
For those unfamiliar with the 1972 original, it goes a little something like this:
“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.”
So, with the original and its sequel canon, just where will this legendary slice of Blaxploitation be taken in the modern age? We’re very keen to find out!
Of his appointing as director and the original film’s legacy, Deon Taylor said the following:
“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.”
There is no word yet on casting, but we’re eager to see who will play that all-important titular role!
