Mike Flanagan is bringing together several familiar names for his next horror project. Matthew Lillard is reuniting with the filmmaker, while Cooper Koch and Prey star Amber Midthunder have joined the cast. The psychological thriller-horror will also mark Alexandra Magistro’s feature directorial debut.
According to Deadline, Flanagan is producing Rot through his Red Room Pictures banner. Geo Bradley wrote the screenplay, which made the 2024 Black List. Production of the film is expected to begin in Vancouver in November 2026, while the makers have yet to announce the release date.
What do we know about Rot and its cast so far?
Rot follows an antisocial man who works as a trauma cleaner while dealing with obsessive compulsions and the death of his hoarder mother. His job forces him to confront his past, but the experience begins to take a disturbing toll on his mental state. The story combines psychological thriller elements with body horror.
Bradley’s screenplay earned a spot on the 2024 Black List, which recognizes notable unproduced screenplays. The project combines elements of “Repulsion” and David Cronenberg-style body horror.
Koch will star in the film after earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his portrayal of Erik Menendez in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. He will also appear in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film, Artificial.
Midthunder gained popularity for playing Naru in Prey, the 2022 Predator prequel. The actor has recently appeared in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Novocaine.
Lillard, meanwhile, has recently appeared in Scream 7, Daredevil: Born Again, and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. His casting marks another collaboration with Flanagan after the two worked together on The Life of Chuck in 2024. Lillard and Midthunder will also star in Flanagan’s upcoming television series Carrie.
Flanagan will produce the film alongside Molly C. Quinn, Matthew M. Welty and Elan Gale. With filming scheduled to begin later this year, further details about the film’s release date and remaining cast are expected to follow.
