The Candyman franchise should not proceed following the death of actor Tony Todd, according to George Lemore, who appeared in 1995’s Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh.

‘I think it should be left as a classic – Candyman should be left as a classic like all the other great movies, all the other horror movies that came out that are classics – leave it alone,’ Lemore told TMZ Wednesday in the wake of Todd’s November 6 pᴀssing.

Lemore played the role of Drew in the Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh, the sequel to the 1992 horror staple which hit theaters in March of 1995 and costarred Kelly Rowan, Caroline Barclay and Nate Bynum.

In Candyman, released in 1992 (and followed by a remake in 2021), Todd played a menacing killer who had a hook on one arm.

The premise of the original movie centered on an urban myth that Candyman roamed the Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago and could be summoned by saying his name five times in front of a mirror; the 1995 sequel Lemore appeared in was set in New Orleans.

The Candyman franchise should not proceed following the death of actor Tony Todd, according to George Lemore, who appeared in 1995’s Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh 

Lemore played the role of Drew in the Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh, which hit theaters in March of 1995 

Todd played the тιтular character in two other sequels: 1999’s Candyman: Day of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ and 2021’s Candyman. 

Lemore, a one-time child actor who also made appearances on shows such as Moesha, Smart Guy, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper and Sister, Sister, said that news of Todd’s pᴀssing ‘really hurt’ him, and that he feels the actor’s legacy is sealed with the iconic role.

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‘I loved working with Tony Todd – but Candyman lives forever,’ said Lemore, who has 41,000 Instagram followers.

Lemore said that Todd had a larger than life presence that carried over when the cameras were off, recalling an anecdote from the set of the mid-90s motion picture.

‘I remember one night we wrapped set and it was, like, late at night, it was like 12 midnight,’ Lemore said. ‘I went to my trailer to grab my backpack so I can leave set after working all day … and he was in my trailer – and he scared me. Yeah, he scared me and I’m like, “This is real.”‘

Lemore said the last time he crossed paths with Todd was about three years ago at a Studio City, California grocery store, where they were both getting coffee.

‘I bumped into him and we remained friends,’ Lemore said. ‘I don’t care if we’re on a movie set, don’t care if we’re in public, I’m grown now and when I see him – even when I bumped into him in the coffee shop – I thought he was coming to get me.’

Todd died at 69 last week at his home in the Los Angeles area, his manager Jeffrey Goldberg said in a statement to The ᴀssociated Press.

In Candyman, released in 1992, Todd (pictured with Virginia Madsen) played a menacing killer who had a hook on one arm 

Lemore is a one-time child actor who also made appearances on shows such as Moesha, Smart Guy, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper and Sister, Sister 

Lemore, who has 41,000 Instagram followers, said that Todd had a larger than life presence 

Goldberg said, ‘I had the privilege to have Tony as my friend and client for over 30 years and I will miss that amazing man every single day.’ 

Goldberg’s management company said in announcing the death: ‘Known worldwide for his towering presence, both physically and artistically, Tony leaves behind an indelible legacy in film, theater, and the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him.

‘We bid farewell to Tony Todd, a giant of cinema and a beloved soul whose impact on our lives and the world of film will never be forgotten.’

Todd’s film resume included roles in award-winning movies such as the Oliver Stone-directed classic Platoon, released in 1986.

Todd was also known for his role in the 2000 horror film Final Destination and its sequel in 2003. 

The film company New Line Cinema mourned Todd’s death on social media over the weekend: ‘The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony.’

Todd died at 69 last week at his home in the Los Angeles area, his manager Jeffrey Goldberg said in a statement. Pictured in LA in 2018

Todd’s television career included roles in Night Court, Matlock and Law & Order. 

‘Off-screen, Tony was cherished as a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of kindness and wisdom,’ Goldberg’s company said. ‘He gave his time and resources to aspiring actors, consistently advocating for greater representation and authenticity within the industry.

‘Those who knew him will remember his warm laugh, generous spirit, and his dedication to his craft. Whether on stage, on screen, or in personal conversations, Tony brought an unyielding honesty that resonated deeply with his friends, family, and fans.’