Emilia Clarke Horror Film ‘When Darkness Loves Us’ Sells to Bleecker Street, Aims for 2027 Release

“When Darkness Loves Us,” a horror film starring “Game of Thrones” actor Emilia Clarke, has landed at Bleecker Street. It will be released in theaters at some point in 2027. 

James Ashcroft wrote and directed the film, which was adapted from Elizabeth Engstrom’s 1980s novella of the same name. The story follows a young woman (Clarke) who, after surviving 15 years trapped in an underground cave system, returns to the surface to reclaim the family she believes is hers, “no matter the monstrous cost,” per the logline.

Related Stories

Peter Chan Says AI Will Replace 'Any Blockbuster or Commercial Film in Three Years' at Hong Kong FilMart Panel

'Chainsaw Man' Movie, Mass-Market Campaign and Surging Data Fuel Crunchyroll's Drive to Make India Anime's Next Global Powerhouse (EXCLUSIVE)

“The term ‘world-building’ is wildly overused, but the degree to which James and team have built a subterranean universe cannot be understated,” Bleecker CEO Kent Sanderson said in a statement. “This film is a true journey into the darkness, literally and figuratively, and we can’t wait to shock audiences worldwide with James’ singular vision.”

Marlon Williams (“Sweet Tooth”), Victoria Pedretti (“You”) and Natascha McElhone (“The Truman Show”) co-star in “When Darkness Loves Us,” which just wrapped filming in New Zealand. Ashcroft co-wrote the script with Hayley Sproull and Eli Kent.

“My passion for Elizabeth Engstrom’s story remains boundless; what an absolute gift it has been bringing this work to the screen,” said Ashcroft, whose credits include “The Rule of Jenny Pen” and Netflix’s upcoming thriller “The Whisper Man.” “With ‘When Darkness Loves Us,’ Liz never lets us forget that the actions of her characters are by turns both tragic and monstrous – no matter how sympathetic they may be. But it’s their indelible humanity that can’t be so easily shaken off afterwards, and that’s when we find ourselves at home in the darkness with them.”

Bleecker’s deal encompasses all global territories, excluding New Zealand and Australia. The pact was negotiated by Miranda King and Avy Eschenasy for Bleecker Street and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers.

Bleecker Street’s recent releases include “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” and “Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience.” Upcoming titles are Adam Shankman’s “Stop! That! Train!” starring RuPaul and Alex Gibney’s doc “Musk.”