It looks like John Michael McDonagh‘s “Fear Is The Rider” isn’t the only genre pic starring Ben Mendelsohn at the America Film Market. Deadline reports that Mendelsohn is attached to star opposite Anthony Ramos in “Molepeople” a NYC-set horror flick from director Rob Savage. And yes, the title should give away the set-up for this one.
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Here’s the pitch for “Molepeople” making the rounds at AFM: “one man’s nightmarish descent into the abandoned tunnels beneath the streets of New York City, where a twisted society lurks.” So imagine “C.H.U.D.” by way of the classic doc “Dark Days” by way of the guy who directed “The Boogeyman.” Savage directs an original script by “Succession” alum Nathan Elston. Raphael Margules and J.D. Lifshitz produce through BoulderLight Pictures alongside Rough House Pictures. Embankment Films handles the film’s international sales at AFM, with CAA Media Finance, Range, and WME representing its North American rights.
Here’s a press statement about “Molepeople” from Embankment’s Hugo Grumbar: “”Molepeople” fuels a modern audience with shocks and thrills, captivating, heightened feelings of fear. Rob’s direction is stylish; BoulderLight’s understanding of modern audiences is unmatched – and together the filmmakers are best in class.”
Margules and Lifshitz had their own press statement: “There’s something uniquely terrifying about urban isolation – the idea that in one of the world’s busiest cities, you could vanish without a trace. With Anthony Ramos – who’s quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most commanding leading men – alongside the legendary Ben Mendelsohn, we have the perfect contemporary combination to bring this nightmare to life.”
Ramos had a big 2024 with “Twisters” in theaters. He also starred in “Distant” this year, which still awaits a US theatrical release. He’ll star next in “Ironheart,” on Disney+ in 2025. As for Mendelsohn, recent work for the actor includes “Freaky Days” and the main role in Apple TV+‘s “The New Look.”
Expect “Molepeople” in theaters in late 2025 or 2026.
