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Universal Pictures is cashing in on Sidney Sweeney’s heat and success the maid By stepping on the gas in her Sweeney thriller, Chargé d’Affaires.
Indie horror star David Bruckner is set to direct the feature project adapting the upcoming book by Markus Kliewer, which was initially set as a short story in 2022.
Sweeney produces Caretaker As do Michael Bay and Brad Fuller through Platinum Dunes’ first-look deal with the studio. Scott Glass Gould will produce films until 12:01.
Caretaker The film is based on the second novel by Clower, a short story writer who debuted in 2024 We used to live here established him as a leading voice in literary horror. Caretaker It hits shelves April 21 from Simon & Schuster and Atria’s horror imprint 12:01 Books and marks the first book release from 12:01 Books, a joint venture between Simon & Schuster, Emily Bestler, and Glassgold.
The book tells the story of a struggling young woman named Missy Mullins who answers a job ad for three days’ work and competitive pay (plus: serious applicants only) in the Oreganon wilderness.
Then, according to the publisher, “What begins as a strange side party soon turns into a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil may dwell on this property – and Missy Mullins may be the only thing standing between her and the rest of humanity.”
In addition to directing, Bruckner will write the screenplay. Previous drafts were written by Karl Gajdusek (King’s man(and Drew Crivello)We were shattered).
Universal had no comment on the director’s hiring.
Any Sweeney project in the studio’s stock has become a hot commodity in light of its massive success maida Lionsgate adaptation of Freda McFadden’s book. Produced on a budget of just $35 million, the film grossed over $400 million worldwide upon its release in December.
It looks like the Sweeney heat continues with the movie’s April 12 premiere tranceWhich attracted 8.5 million viewers across all platforms in its first three days, according to HBO. Sweeney stars in the show alongside Zendaya, Jacob El Wardi and others.
Bruckner is a respected name in the horror and thriller genre, best known for his thrillers Night houseWhich stars Rebecca Hall as a widow dealing with her husband’s disturbing secrets. The film caused buzz at the 2021 edition of the Sundance Film Festival when Searchlight closed a $12 million deal to acquire global rights.
Bruckner also directed the horror film Wooden rituals And restart in 2022 Hellraiser. He previously ran sections of horror anthologies V/hour/second and South And also rings Creepy show.
Bruckner is repped by WME and Untitled.
