Sam Raimi Directs New Adaptation of William Goldman’s ‘Magic’ for Lionsgate, Featuring a Fresh Take on the Classic Starring Anthony Hopkins
Sam Raimi Set to Direct Modern Adaptation of Magic for Lionsgate
Renowned filmmaker Sam Raimi has been appointed by Lionsgate to direct a contemporary adaptation of William Goldman’s novel Magic. This follows the 1978 film directed by Richard Attenborough, featuring Anthony Hopkins as a ventriloquist whose life spirals out of control due to his malevolent puppet, just as he rekindles a romance.
Raimi, famous for creating the Evil Dead franchise and directing the iconic Spider-Man trilogy in the 2000s, was already attached to the project as a producer alongside Roy Lee, known for his work on It and Weapons. Chris Hammond and Tim Sullivan, longtime advocates of the adaptation, will also produce alongside Raimi and Lee. Zainab Azizi from Raimi Productions is set to join the production team. Nathan Kahane and Paul Fishkin will serve as executive producers, collaborating with Andrew Childs for Vertigo.
The screenplay is penned by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, who previously collaborated with Raimi and Azizi on Send Help, produced for 20th Century Studios.
Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee the project.
"Sam is the dream director for this project — in fact, his coming aboard represents one of the truly great matches of director and material," stated Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. "The script is fantastic, and we could not be more excited to see Sam’s direction and creative vision take it to another level. We are absolutely thrilled he has chosen to direct the film."
Raimi’s most recent directorial effort was Send Help, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, which enjoyed box office success, topping the charts for two weeks and grossing around $100 million worldwide. He is represented by CAA and Hansen Jacobson Teller.
