The highly anticipated film adaptation of Paul Tremblay's Bram Stoker Award-winning novel, 'A Head Full of Ghosts,' is finally in the works. Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, the talented duo behind the critically acclaimed horror-thriller 'Goodnight Mommy' and the chilling Sundance hit 'The Lodge,' this upcoming horror feature promises to deliver a haunting and captivating cinematic experience.
Franz and Fiala have established themselves as remarkable storytellers in the horror genre with their previous works. 'Goodnight Mommy,' which served as Austria's submission for the 2014 Oscars, was widely praised for its atmospheric tension and psychological depth. Their most recent film, 'The Lodge,' starring Riley Keough, was met with critical acclaim upon its premiere at Sundance and subsequently acquired by Neon for distribution.
Produced by Team Downey and The Allegiance Theater, 'A Head Full of Ghosts' brings together a team of seasoned filmmakers. Daniel Dubiecki and Lara Alameddine from The Allegiance Theater, alongside Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. for Team Downey, and David Gambino, will serve as producers. The financing for development and production comes from Fifth Season.
The plot delves into the lives of the Barretts, a seemingly normal suburban New England family whose existence takes a terrifying turn when their teenage daughter begins exhibiting signs of acute schizophrenia. Reluctantly, they agree to participate in a reality show called 'The Possession,' thrusting them into the public eye as they grapple with their daughter's disturbing condition. Fast forward fifteen years later, and Merry, the daughter, is confronted with the haunting memories of her family's past when a journalist is assigned to help tell her side of the story. As the journalist uncovers the true nature of evil, Merry is forced to confront the demons that have plagued her since childhood.
Originally published in 2015 by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, 'A Head Full of Ghosts' earned Tremblay the prestigious Bram Stoker Award, along with other accolades such as the British Fantasy Award and Massachusetts Book Award. Tremblay's remarkable storytelling abilities can be found in his other works, including the bestselling 'The Cabin at the End of the World,' which was adapted into the film 'Knock at the Cabin' directed by M. Night Shyamalan in 2023. His repertoire also includes titles such as 'The Pallbearers Club,' 'Survivor Song,' 'Disappearance at Devil's Rock,' 'The Little Sleep,' 'No Sleep Till Wonderland,' and the collections of short stories, 'Growing Things and Other Stories' and 'The Beast You Are.'
Initially set up in 2020 with Cross Creek, Team Downey, and The Allegiance Theater, with STX handling distribution in the U.S. and U.K., 'A Head Full of Ghosts' saw a directorial change, with Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala taking the helm. Margaret Qualley was originally attached to star in the film, but the cast has not yet been announced.
Fans of the novel and horror enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the production of 'A Head Full of Ghosts,' which is scheduled to begin later this year. With Franz and Fiala's unique storytelling and visual prowess, coupled with Tremblay's gripping and chilling narrative, this film adaptation promises to be a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. Stay tuned for more updates on casting and release dates as production moves forward.
