‘Possession’ Remake by ‘Smile’ Director Parker Finn Starring Callum Turner & Margaret Qualley Sets Release Date

Parker Finn made a significant impact on modern horror with 2022’s ‘Smile,’ a sleeper hit that grossed $217 million worldwide on a modest $17 million budget, leading to a successful sequel two years later. Now, Finn is shifting gears to reimagine a different kind of horror classic for his next project.

This project is a remake of ‘Possession,’ Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 cult supernatural thriller featuring Isabelle Adjani and the late Sam Neill. The original film depicted a married couple whose relationship descends into surreal and nightmarish chaos after Anna, portrayed by Adjani, requests a divorce and begins to display increasingly disturbing behavior.

Paramount has officially announced a release date for Finn’s reimagining, scheduling the film for June 11, 2027. Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley will star as the couple originally played by Neill and Adjani. The film is set to open alongside Universal’s live-action remake of ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2,’ positioning Paramount’s take on this divisive cult classic as a unique counter-programming option against a major family-friendly release.

Finn expressed his deep connection to the source material, calling Żuławski’s original one of his all-time favorites. He aims to create something viciously sharp and ferocious that honors the original while also serving as a spiritual successor, as reported by World of Reel.

In addition to Turner and Qualley, the remake boasts a notable supporting cast, including Diego Calva, Madeline Brewer, Emory Cohen, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, and Paul Dano. This impressive lineup adds significant star power beyond its two leads, reflecting Paramount’s confidence in the film’s commercial potential.

Production is already underway, with Finn directing from his own script based on Żuławski’s original story. He is producing through his Bad Feeling banner alongside Jonathan Fass, while Roy Lee and Andrew Childs are producing through Vertigo, and Robert Pattinson is also attached as a producer on the project.

The original ‘Possession’ was notoriously banned upon its initial 1981 release and did not achieve major commercial success, instead cultivating a devoted cult following over the years, especially with renewed interest on platforms like TikTok. This history makes Paramount’s decision to position the remake as a wide summer blockbuster release, rather than a smaller fall festival title, a significant gamble on the material’s mainstream appeal.

Finn’s success with ‘Smile’ and its sequel lends some credence to that confidence, as both films became sleeper hits despite the first being initially developed for streaming. With Paramount’s commitment to theatrical releases through its 45-day exclusivity window policy, ‘Possession’ is set to test whether Finn’s horror sensibilities can transform a beloved arthouse cult classic into another box office triumph.

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