Tanner Buchanan, Garrett Wareing and Quvenzhané Wallis have been tapped to star in a supernatural horror thriller “Hide and Don’t Speak,” with “The Beast Within” helmer Alexander J. Farrell directing.
Range Media, which produced “Longlegs” and “The Monkey,” is shepherding the feature with Mister Smith introducing to buyers in Cannes.
In “Hide and Don’t Speak,” six teenagers “play a terrifying viral Japanese game in which the players summon a vengeful spirit for a deadly round of hide-and-seek,” the synopsis reads.
Buchanan has appeared in “Cobra Kai” and “How to Date Billy Walsh.” Wareing appeared in “Perfect,” “God Is a Bullet” and Netflix’s “Ransom Canyon” and will soon be seen in “The Long Walk.” Wallis was the youngest Best Actress Oscar nominee ever for “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” She recently appeared in “Breathe” opposite Jennifer Hudson.
Range also has “Dangerous Animals” premiering in Cannes’ Directors Fortnight.
Currently in pre-production with production planned for later this year, “Hide and Don’t Speak” has a script from Farrell and Greer Ellison, and is loosely based on the real-life viral internet game hitori kakurenbo.
Range’s Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger, along with Matt Coatsworth, will produce, with Range’s Noah Reich, Oliver Riddle and Tom Daley executive producing.
“Hide and Don’t Speak” is the first film out of Range’s new genre slate, launched in the shingle’s London offices and overseen by Reich.
With Mister Smith handling international sales, UTA and Range Select are co-repping U.S. rights.
Director Farrell said, “We wanted to take something innocent, break it wide open, and unleash real fear. This isn’t just a game, it’s a bloodbath. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Range and Mister Smith to bring this nightmare to life on the big screen.”
Producers Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger and Matt Coatsworth said, “When Alex and Greer first brought us the seed of this idea a year ago, we were instantly gripped. ‘Hide and Don’t Speak’ is terrifying, wildly entertaining, and deliciously unhinged — we can’t wait for audiences to experience the ride.”
Mister Smith Entertainment’s David Garrett added, “This is such a supremely smart yet simple horror story that shows a truly terrifying interpretation of the children’s game. And with the filmmaking team’s unparalleled provenance in the horror genre, this has all the makings of a must-see theatrical experience.”
Buchanan is represented by Gersh/Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Wareing is represented by WME/23mgmt. Wallis is represented by Gersh, Rebel Creative Group and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Feldman, Rogal, Shikora & Clark. Farrell is represented by United Agents in London.
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