Candyman (2021): the sequel by Nia DaCosta and Jordan Peele, and where to watch it streaming

Candyman (2021) is not a remake: it is a direct sequel to the 1992 cult classic that takes up the legend of the hook-wielding killer invoked in front of the mirror. Nia DaCosta —who would later direct The Marvels— directs, and Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us) co-writes and produces from Monkeypaw. The result: an elegant and short horror (91 minutes) that uses urban legend to talk about gentrification, memory and who tells the stories.

What's it about

A decade after the last towers of Chicago's Cabrini-Green are demolished, visual artist Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and his partner, gallery owner Brianna Cartwright (Teyonah Parris), move into a loft in the neighborhood, already gentrified beyond recognition. Looking for material for his work, Anthony learns from a neighborhood veteran (Colman Domingo) the "real" story behind Candyman — and by bringing it to his paintings he opens a door that unleashes a wave of violence and consumes his sanity.

Why it stands out

DaCosta found his own visual language: the deaths often happen out of shot, reflected in windows and mirrors, and the story of the legend is told with shadow theater and paper puppets, an aesthetic decision that is already a trademark of the film. The script expands the mythology – “Candyman is not a him, he is a whole hive” – connecting the original Daniel Robitaille (Tony Todd, who returns) with new victims of racial violence turned into legend.

At the box office it was a notable success for its budget and made DaCosta the first African-American director to release a number 1 film in the United States. For the viewer of 2026, it works as a perfect double bill with Bernard Rose's 1992 original — see them in that order if you can.

Where to watch it streaming

• Spain: Movistar+ (included in Ficción Total) and the MGM+ channel within Prime Video.
• United States and Latin America: availability rotates between platforms; It can stably be rented or purchased from the Apple TV Store, Amazon Video and Google Play.
• Note: was on Netflix in several countries until the end of 2024; It is no longer part of that catalog.

In summary

Is it necessary to see the 1992 one? It is not mandatory — the film explains itself — but it greatly enriches the ending. Is it scary? More atmosphere and disturbing images than constant scares. Where to see it? Movistar+ or MGM+ via Prime Video in Spain; digital rental in the rest of the markets. And no, don't say your name five times in front of the mirror.