Leslie Odom Jr. Adapting Rolling Stone Piece on Sammy Davis Jr. and Church of Satan into a New Horror Film
Leslie Odom Jr. to Adapt “Dance With the Devil” for Film
Tony and Grammy-winning artist Leslie Odom Jr. is set to adapt the Rolling Stone article “Dance With the Devil,” written by Alex Bhattacharji, into a horror feature. The project, in collaboration with Rolling Stone Films, will also see Odom taking on a starring role.
The article examines the surprising connection between renowned entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. and Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan. It delves into Davis’s intriguing journey into this controversial realm and the intersections of his life with LaVey’s.
In a statement about the project, Odom emphasized its depth, describing it as “a sensitive story about a profoundly alienated Davis and his search for acceptance.” Bhattacharji noted that the narrative tackles relevant themes, including racial and sexual identity, politics, religion, and the essence of pop culture.
This announcement follows Odom’s recent conclusion of his role as Aaron Burr in the celebrated musical Hamilton. Odom, who originated the role in both its Off-Broadway and Broadway productions, earned significant acclaim, including a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.
During Odom’s return to the cast, Hamilton experienced a 76% surge in weekly box office revenues and reached its highest gross in a decade, marking a significant moment in its ongoing legacy.
Odom’s recent film credits include portraying soul singer Sam Cooke in Amazon’s One Night in Miami…, directed by Regina King, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He has also appeared in notable projects like the Netflix sequel Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, The Many Saints of Newark, and The Exorcist: Believer.
Leslie Odom Jr. is represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
