Although James Wan is a big-budget director now thanks to the success of FURIOUS 7 and AQUAMAN, he still hasn't forgotten his horror roots, and before he begins work on the AQUAMAN sequel, he'll be tackling an original horror/thriller project for New Line Cinema. Plot details are being wrapped up fairly tight, but Variety has the word on the first actor to join the cast of the secretive project.
The outlet reports that Annabelle Wallis, best known for THE MUMMY, TAG, KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD, The Loudest Voice, and Peaky Blinders, has signed on to star in the upcoming James Wan film. This won't be Wallis' first association with James Wan, as she also starred in ANNABELLE, the first spin-off of THE CONJURING franchise which focused on the possessed doll. Production on the film is slated to kick off this fall. In addition to directing, James Wan came up with the story along with Ingrid Bisu, but it's not know at this time who will pen the screenplay. For the time being, Wan is staying tight-lipped about the project, only dropping the smallest of teases on Instagram.
There’s been a bit of speculation as to what my next project is… all I’ll say is, I’m super excited to go back to my indie roots with this hard-R thriller. An original horror idea (not a reboot/remake or anything based on existing IP) with old school, practical effects and no giant, blue screen sets. That’s all I’ll say for now.
I've been a big-fan of James Wan since the early days of SAW, and count INSIDIOUS and THE CONJURING as some of my favourite horror films, so the thought of the director returning to his roots once again is very welcome indeed.