Hot off the success ofThe Nun, genre maestroJames Wanhas signed on to produce a feature adaptation ofSantiago Menghini’s horror shortMilkfor New Line, which has acquired rights to the short film, Collider has exclusively learned.
Menghini will direct from a script bySuper Dark TimesscribesBen CollinsandLuke Piotrowski, with the director expected to retain story credit. Wan will produce alongside his Atomic Monster partnerMichael ClearandRoy Leeof Vertigo Entertainment, as well as Good Fear.Judson Scottwill oversee the project on behalf of Atomic Monster.
Milkhas been well-received by genre fans at numerous film festivals including SXSW, where it was awarded the Midnight Shorts Jury Award earlier this year. The story follows a sheltered young teen with an overbearing mother who begins to suspect his reality is not as it seems.
Horror shorts have been gaining traction around town this summer, during which time Legendary and The Picture Company acquired rights toJulian Terry’sThey Hear It, which concerns a terrifying noise called The Sound that attracts children. The Picture Company is also producingLarry, which started out as a high-concept horror short that was acquired by Amblin Partners and will now starGillian Jacobs.
Wan is no stranger to the process of expanding short films into features, as his directorial debutSawstarted out as a short. He also producedLights Out, which was based on a short film and now has a sequel in development. Wan’s most recent production,The Nun, has grossed $231 million worldwide in less than two weeks. The fright filmmaker is also behind theConjuringandInsidiousfranchises, and he hasThe Curse of La Llorona, starringLinda Cardellini, due in theaters next year. Wan is also developing remakes ofArachnophobiaandThe Tommyknockersas well as aSwamp ThingTV series. Wan’s next directorial effort,Aquaman, will dive into theaters this December amid a tidal wave of expectations. Wan is represented by Paradigm, Stacey Testro International and attorney David Fox.
Collins and Piotrowski wrote the acclaimed indieSuper Dark Timesas well asAkiva Goldsman’s Blumhouse productionStephaniestarringFrank GrilloandAnna Torv. They also wrote an untitled horror script forDavid Goyerand adapted thePaul TremblaynovelA Head Full of Ghostsfor directorOz Perkinsand Focus Features. They’re represented by UTA, Grandview and Hirsch Wallerstein.
Menghini, who in addition to being an up-and-coming filmmaker is also an accomplished VFX specialist, is repped by UTA and Good Fear Film + Management.
