David Harbour, Rebecca Hall to Star in Lionsgate’s ‘A Head Full of Ghosts’ Adaptation
Lionsgate has secured worldwide distribution rights for the upcoming horror film, “A Head Full of Ghosts,” based on Paul Tremblay’s acclaimed 2015 novel. The project brings together a formidable cast and creative team, signaling a significant entry into the psychological horror space.
The Creative Team Behind the Terror
David Harbour, known for his role in “Stranger Things,” and Rebecca Hall, celebrated for her performances in “The Prestige” and “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” are set to lead the cast. Joining them is Esmé Creed-Miles. The film will be directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, the duo behind the unsettling psychological horror film “Goodnight Mommy,” which garnered international recognition, including being Austria’s 2014 Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film. This marks their first major American studio film.
A Story Rooted in Psychological Horror
“A Head Full of Ghosts” centers on a family grappling with a daughter’s descent into what appears to be madness, all whereas under the intense scrutiny of a reality television crew. The story unfolds fifteen years later, as the sister attempts to uncover the truth behind the events with the help of a journalist. The synopsis hints at a deeper, more sinister force at play.
Industry Reaction and Production Details
Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the team’s artistic vision and the source material’s impact. Stephen King himself reportedly called the novel his favorite of the past decade, stating it “scared the living hell” out of him. Production is slated to begin in March.
The Rise of Literary Horror Adaptations
The adaptation of “A Head Full of Ghosts” reflects a growing trend in Hollywood: the embrace of literary horror. Previously, adaptations often focused on blockbuster franchises. Now, studios are increasingly looking to critically acclaimed novels for source material, recognizing the built-in audience and potential for sophisticated storytelling. This shift caters to a growing demand for horror that prioritizes psychological depth and atmosphere over jump scares.
The Influence of ‘Goodnight Mommy’
The involvement of Franz and Fiala, known for their work on “Goodnight Mommy,” is particularly noteworthy. Their previous film demonstrated a mastery of creating unease and ambiguity, relying on psychological tension rather than explicit gore. This approach aligns with the themes explored in Tremblay’s novel and suggests that the adaptation will prioritize a similar unsettling atmosphere.
Producers and Financial Backing
The film benefits from the involvement of several prominent production companies, including The Allegiance Theater, Team Downey (Robert Downey Jr. And Susan Downey), and Fifth Season. This collaborative effort provides both creative and financial stability to the project.
FAQ
- What is “A Head Full of Ghosts” about? The film follows a family whose life is disrupted when their daughter experiences a mental breakdown, documented by a reality present.
- Who is directing the film? Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, the directors of “Goodnight Mommy,” are directing.
- Who are the lead actors? David Harbour and Rebecca Hall are in final negotiations to star.
- When will the film be released? Production begins in March, and Lionsgate will launch the film at the European Film Market. A specific release date has not been announced.
Did you know? Stephen King praised Paul Tremblay’s novel as his favorite of the last decade.
Stay tuned for further updates on “A Head Full of Ghosts” as production progresses. This project promises to be a chilling addition to the landscape of psychological horror.
