A24 and ‘The First Omen’ Director Arkasha Stevenson Team Up for Untitled Horror Film Starring Caleb Landry Jones and Josh Hutcherson
A24 has officially tapped Arkasha Stevenson, the breakout director behind The First Omen, for her next feature — an untitled horror film that’s already generating buzz thanks to its high-profile cast and creative pedigree. The project will star Josh Hutcherson, Caleb Landry Jones, Frank Dillane, and Whitmer Thomas, and is being produced under Ari Aster’s Square Peg banner, with Aster himself serving as executive producer.
A Rising Horror Talent Returns
Stevenson made her directorial debut in 2024 with The First Omen, a prequel to the 1976 classic. The film surprised critics and audiences alike, transforming what many expected to be a formulaic reboot into a psychologically charged and atmospheric thriller. That success cemented Stevenson as one of the most promising new voices in horror — and her partnership with A24 marks a major next step in her career.
According to World of Reel, Stevenson will once again collaborate with Tim Smith, who co-wrote The First Omen. The pair penned the screenplay for this upcoming film, which will reportedly center on a bachelor party that spirals into nightmarish chaos.
A24 Expands Its Horror Legacy
The involvement of A24 signals another bold addition to the studio’s celebrated horror catalog — one that already includes modern classics like Hereditary, Midsommar, The Witch, and Talk to Me. Producers Lars Knudsen and Emily Hildner will oversee the project under the Square Peg label, further linking it to the creative universe of Ari Aster, who continues to shape the studio’s distinctive horror identity.
While plot specifics are being kept tightly under wraps, insiders describe the film as a character-driven descent into terror, with the bachelor party setting serving as a backdrop for psychological and physical unraveling — a hallmark of both Stevenson’s and A24’s storytelling styles.
A Powerful Cast Anchors the Film
The ensemble cast features a mix of rising and established talent:
- Josh Hutcherson, who recently led Five Nights at Freddy’s to major box office success, continues his horror streak in this new project.
- Caleb Landry Jones, known for his intense performances in Nitram and Get Out, adds his trademark unpredictability to the ensemble.
- Frank Dillane (Fear the Walking Dead, The Essex Serpent) and Whitmer Thomas (The Civil Dead) round out the cast, promising a blend of emotional complexity and dark humor.
Together, the cast hints at a film that will mix raw psychological tension with sharp, unsettling energy — elements A24 audiences have come to expect.
Stevenson’s Signature Style
Stevenson’s debut showcased her ability to blend religious horror, emotional intimacy, and slow-building dread into a cohesive narrative that left a lasting impression. Critics praised her direction for its “controlled intensity” and “fresh visual storytelling.”
Her follow-up project looks poised to continue that momentum, with A24 offering her the creative freedom to push genre boundaries even further.
“Stevenson understands how to make horror personal — her work is about fear, faith, and human vulnerability,” one industry insider told InvestRecords. “This collaboration with A24 and Ari Aster could be lightning in a bottle.”
Production Outlook
The untitled project is expected to begin filming in early 2026, with additional casting and production details to be announced soon. Given A24’s track record, fans can anticipate a festival premiere—potentially at Sundance or TIFF 2026—followed by a theatrical release later that year.
The film also marks A24’s continued investment in cultivating emerging directors who bring distinctive voices to the horror genre.
As of now, no official title or release date has been revealed, but the creative lineup alone has already positioned the project as one of the most anticipated horror films of 2026.
What are your thoughts on A24 teaming up with Arkasha Stevenson? Share your excitement and predictions in the comments on InvestRecords.com.
