Jacob Tremblay (Room) and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) are set to lead the cast of The Night House, a psychological horror film produced by Steven Schneider, renowned for his work on Insidious, Paranormal Activity, and Split.
Not to be confused with David Bruckner’s 2020 film of the same title, The Night House is based on the 2023 novel by Jo Nesbø, whose previous work was adapted into the 2007 thriller The Snowman. The film will see Tremblay and Paul portray different age iterations of the same character, Richard, a teenager at the center of an unsettling and supernatural mystery. Production is slated to begin this summer in Álava, Spain.
The story follows Richard, a high school student who is sent to live with relatives in the isolated town of Ballantyne after the tragic death of his parents. During a prank call from a phone booth, Richard witnesses his classmate being violently sucked into the phone receiver, disappearing without a trace. The local authorities suspect Richard is involved, but his claims are dismissed—except by Karen, another social outcast at school. As Richard and Karen attempt to uncover the truth behind their friend’s horrific fate, they soon realize they may have unleashed a malevolent force that distorts reality itself. The question remains: can Richard even trust his own mind?
Jo Nesbø co-wrote the screenplay alongside Jesper Ganslandt (Snabba Cash), who will also direct the film. Steven Schneider is producing, with Fredrik Wikström Nicastro of Hope Studios also attached as a producer.
“I couldn’t have wished for better actors than Jacob and Aaron to headline this film,” said Ganslandt. “We’re aiming to create a deeply disturbing psychological horror experience that will leave audiences shaken.”
Schneider added, “Jo Nesbø’s The Night House is a haunting, fresh, and utterly gripping horror. I’m thrilled to collaborate with Jesper Ganslandt, Hope Studios, and the incredible talents of Aaron Paul and Jacob Tremblay to bring this story to life. Together, we’re crafting something truly unforgettable.”
The film’s US rights are being handled by WME Independent and UTA Independent Film Group, while Protagonist Pictures is overseeing international sales at the European Film Market in Berlin.
Tremblay will next appear in Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Life of Chuck, due for release on May 30, and Macon Blair’s reboot of The Toxic Avenger, slated for an unrated release on August 29. Meanwhile, Paul stars in Ash, a sci-fi horror directed by Flying Lotus, set to open on March 21.
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