There have been a good number of tremendously effective horror films that have originated outside the US with Italy and Japan having made an impact on the genre over the decades. More recently, one of the most effective psychology horror films came to the international community via Denmark in the form of “Speak No Evil.” The 2022 film, titled “Gæsterne” in its native Danish, met with strong critical reception, including us. And is the case with many a successful foreign horror film, an American remake is not just being spoken of, but forming its cast.
The film involves two couples who meet on vacation with one pair inviting the other to vacation with them at their own home on a future date. Being that we’ve already mentioned that this is a psychological horror film, you can imagine that things don’t really go too well. Which, no, they don’t.
The upcoming project is being produced by Blumhouse and now has two of the four major players cast. James McAvoy will star. Actually based on his performances in “Split,” it would be interesting to see him just doing all the roles, but we digress. He’ll be joined by Mackenzie Davis (“Halt and Catch Fire,” “Terminator: Dark Fate“) though its unclear if she’ll be playing his partner, or the wife in the other vacationing couple. Davis herself is no stranger to the horror genre, having worked previously on “The Turning” in 2020.
James Watkins will direct. His lengthy experience in writing and directing in the horror genre was most recently seen in the 2016 “Black Mirror” episode, “Shut Up and Dance.” A more proper horror experience though was his 2012 picture, “The Woman in Black.” This would be the director’s first feature film in eight years.
As previously noted, these are only two of the four principle actors that have been cast so far. One couple does not a “Gæsterne” make. More casting details will surely come in the weeks and months to follow. We look forward to updating you as more news becomes available. Or maybe they’ll just get McAvoy to play the other parts and save on money.
“Speak No Evil” the remake is set to hit theaters August 9th, 2024.
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