Sam Raimi to Direct Modern Adaptation of 'Magic'

Hollywood director Sam Raimi, known for 'Spider-Man' and 'Evil Dead', is set to direct a modern version of William Goldman's novel 'Magic' for Lionsgate. The film, originally adapted in 1978, features a screenplay by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon. Raimi Productions will co-produce the movie.

Renowned Hollywood filmmaker Sam Raimi has been selected by Lionsgate to direct 'Magic', a modern cinematic take on William Goldman's celebrated novel. Raimi, famous for helming three 'Spider-Man' films in the 2000s and creating the 'Evil Dead' series, will also produce the movie under his banner Raimi Productions, as reported by Deadline.

The original story was transformed into a 1978 film directed by Richard Attenborough, featuring Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins as a ventriloquist ensnared by his sinister puppet while trying to revive a past romance. Hopkins' chilling portrayal in the film is often viewed as a forerunner to his Oscar-winning role in 'The Silence of the Lambs'.

The screenplay for this latest version has been crafted by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, known for their prior collaboration with Raimi on 'Send Help'. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson expressed his enthusiasm for Raimi's involvement, highlighting the exceptional pairing of Raimi's directorial prowess with the project's material. The production team includes industry veterans such as Roy Lee, Chris Hammond, Tim Sullivan, and Zainab Azizi, with Nathan Kahane, Paul Fishkin, and Andrew Childs serving as executive producers.