Christopher Landon is scaring up a new project, his first since he departed Scream VII late last year. The filmmaker, known for Happy Death Day and Freaky, is in talks to to direct Big Bad, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Lionsgate is in advanced negotiations to land the package that is based on the short story by Chandler Baker. The plot centers on a family that must survive a night in an isolated farmhouse as werewolves prey upon them. The story “Big Bad” appeared in the horror collection Creature Feature, which included tales from authors such as Joe Hill.
Todd Lieberman and Hidden Pictures are producing the feature.
The project marks the first move for Landon following his departure from Scream VII. The embattled project had already lost two stars when he departed. Producer Spyglass fired Melissa Barrera in the fall over social media posts she made amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, while Jenna Ortega quietly exited earlier in the year, before the actors strike began in July. “It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved,” Landon wrote on X last month announcing his departure.
Scott O’Brien will oversee Big Bad for Lionsgate. Carly Kleinbart and Lieberman will oversee for Hidden Pictures. Alex Young is executive producing, with Lionsgate’s Robert Melnik overseeing the dealmaking on behalf of the studio.
