Leslie Odom Jr. Develops Horror Film on Sammy Davis Jr.’s Dark Past
UPDATE: Leslie Odom Jr., the acclaimed star of *Hamilton*, is set to develop a gripping horror movie based on the shocking revelations surrounding legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.. Odom has acquired the screen rights to a controversial August 2024 article from *Rolling Stone*, which dives deep into Davis’s alleged ties with Anton LaVey and the Church of Satan.
This urgent project will feature Odom in the lead role, aiming to unravel the complex circumstances that purportedly drew Davis into the dark world of Satanism. The film will draw inspiration from Alex Bhattacharji’s article titled “Dance With the Devil,” highlighting the late singer’s tumultuous journey for acceptance amid a backdrop of racial and sexual identity, politics, and pop culture.
The article paints a vivid picture of Davis’s lasting connection with LaVey, the Church of Satan’s founder, which reportedly persisted for over two decades. Bhattacharji describes the narrative as “a sensitive story about a profoundly alienated Davis and his search for acceptance.” He emphasizes that this tale is not just about horror; it also explores deeply relevant themes, making it a must-watch for audiences today.
The initial release of Bhattacharji’s article already sparked outrage and intrigue among fans, citing troubling excerpts that reveal Davis’s experiences with Satanism: “Davis’ experience with Satanism has long lurked in the margins of his story, despite later efforts to excise and minimize it.” This revelation promises to add layers of complexity to the film, which seeks to balance entertainment with profound social commentary.
In addition to Odom’s project, another film titled *Scandalous!* is in development at Miramax, featuring actors Sydney Sweeney and Colman Domingo. However, Odom’s horror adaptation will uniquely focus on the darker aspects of Davis’s life, setting it apart from the Miramax project.
Fans and film enthusiasts can expect more details on this exciting project soon. Stay tuned as Odom and his team work to bring this chilling narrative to the big screen, promising a compelling look at one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic figures.
This is a developing story, and more updates will follow as they become available.
