Leslie Odom Jr. Tackles Sammy Davis Jr.’s Dark Side in Satanic Horror Film

Leslie Odom Jr. (The Exorcist: Believer, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery) is set to star in a chilling horror feature exploring Sammy Davis Jr.’s unexpected ties to the Church of Satan.

Odom has acquired the screen rights to the 2024 Rolling Stone article Dance with the Devil by Alex Bhattacharji, which delves into a bizarre chapter of Davis’s life. The story reveals how a 1960s TV pilot, Poor Devil, sparked a friendship between the legendary entertainer and Anton LaVey, founder and high priest of the Church of Satan.

In the film, Odom will portray Davis, with production handled in partnership with Rolling Stone Films. Bhattacharji describes the story as “a sensitive portrait of a profoundly alienated Davis and his search for acceptance… a rollicking ride that explores race, sexuality, politics, religion, pop culture, and counter-culture.”

The original pilot, Poor Devil, followed Davis as a low-level demon trying to prove himself to Lucifer—portrayed by horror icon Christopher Lee—by persuading a mortal to sell his soul. Guest stars included Jack Klugman as a scheming accountant and Adam West as his morally corrupt boss.

Odom, best known for originating Aaron Burr in Hamilton, where he won a Tony Award and Grammy, now steps into one of his most provocative and haunting roles yet, bringing horror, history, and dark intrigue to the screen.

This project promises a surreal, devilish mix of Hollywood glamour, occult horror, and the untold story behind one of entertainment’s most complex icons.