When Candyman's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was first trying to find his break in Hollywood, the actor was asked if he would be willing to change his Muslim name and be credited as Yahya Mateen. He was even asked if he'd be OK with simply being credited as Yahya. These supposed choices, however, were never a feasible option for the actor, who is proud and resolute to represent his heritage and beliefs through his name.
"Growing up in a Muslim and a Christian household, I developed a very strong connection to God," Abdul-Mateen II told GQ. He credited this upbringing and openness to other ways of thinking for developing his respectful curiosity regarding other people and their beliefs, all while maintaining steadfast regard for his own heritage -- something he aims to maintain throughout his cinematic career as he now finds success and validation, credited, as he always wished, by his full name.
Not only is this choice honoring his father and his family, but it also provides inspiration to people worldwide. Abdul-Mateen II confessed how his name isn't necessarily the "name you'd pick out of a hat" and acknowledged how it's not the traditional name to receive top billing on a movie poster. He argued, however, that this is what allows it to be so inspiring to people:
"I get messages all the time saying, 'Thank you brother for representing for us Muslims. I was thinking about changing my name, but now that I see you, I’ll never change it.' For a lot of aspiring actors and artists around the world, America is the destination, the comparison. So to have my name at the top of the billing on my own for Candyman, right up there on Aquaman, and next to Keanu Reeves in a big production like The Matrix is huge. To be validated, to hold my own, and to go on talk shows where they say my entire name, that’s inspiring."
Directed by Nia DaCosta from a script by Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld, Candyman stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo, Vanessa A. Williams, Rebecca Spence and Tony Todd. The film arrives in theaters Oct. 16.