Add another horror thriller to Maika Monroe‘s filmography. Deadline reports that one of Hollywood’s most prominent current scream queens will star in 20th Century‘s remake of the 1992 film “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle.” But Monroe will be going against type this time, as she’ll star in the role Rebecca De Mornay made into a classic.
For those unfamiliar with the original, De Mornay stars as a woman out for vengeance after she miscarries a child after her sex offender husband gets caught and kills himself. Posing as a nanny, she infiltrates the household of one of her husband’s accusers, ready to do anything to get even. So not the typical Monroe part here, but it’ll be nice to see her flex different acting muscles after “final girl” roles in “It Follows,” “Watcher,” and (to a certain extent) “Longlegs.”
There’s no word on who’ll join Monroe on the film’s cast yet, but expect director Michelle Garza Cervera to cast another formidable female in Annabella Sciorra‘s role. On the production end of things, Ted Field will produce through Radar Pictures, Michael Schaefer & Mike Larocca doing so through Department M. Michael Napoliello & Maria Frisk also oversee the picture through Radar.
Monroe adds “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” to an upcoming film list that includes David Robert Mitchell‘s “They Follow” and the thriller “In Cold Light.” And with the success of “Longlegs” this summer, expect Monroe’s name to be in demand in the next couple of years. Oz Perkins‘ stylish serial killer pic made over $100 in its box office run this summer: another win for NEON, and also cements Perkins as a horror director to watch. His next film, “The Monkey,” also distributed by NEON, hits theaters early next year.
As for Garza Cervera, her remake at 20th Century will be her sophomore directing effort after 2022’s “Huesera” made waves on the festival circuit. Garza Cervera’s debut feature had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival two years ago, where it won Best New Narrative Director and the Nora Ephron Award. The film won 40 awards worldwide as it toured festivals, and won big at the Mexican Academy’s Ariel Awards, including Best First Feature, Original Screenplay, Makeup, and Special Effects.
20th Century has had good luck revamping old properties recently with the “Predator” and “Alien” franchises, so maybe “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle” will be a winner? Stay tuned for more casting news soon, and expect it to premiere in time for horror movie season 2025.
