10 Scariest Boogeymen In Films

With a new sequel set to release in October 2020, it’s a good time to revisit the three earlier Candyman films. Nia Dacosta is directing the new film and has also co-written the screenplay, alongside Jordan Peele.

Based on a Clive Barker story, The Forbidden, these films revolve around the legend of a hook-handed killer who appears to anyone who calls his name five times into a mirror - doesn’t sound like there’s much incentive to do it other than curiosity, but that’s horror movie protagonists for you.

The film is firmly rooted in urban legends, taking inspiration from similar stories like Bloody Mary and serving as the basis for a great deal of creepypastas.

There’s lashings of body horror - an exposed rib-cage swarming with bees is a gruesome highlight - but the film is a little smarter than the basic premise suggests. The film reflects on themes of race and class in the impoverished public housing development, Cabrini-Green, where much of the film is set. Expect the new 2020 film to double down on these themes.