It has taken a few decades, but New Zealand-based author Margaret Mahy's 1984 novel The Changeover: A Supernatural Romance is finally getting a cinematic adaptation, and the filmmakers are putting together quite an impressive cast.
Leading the assemblage of Kiwi and British actors is Melanie Lynskey, who got her start in Peter Jackson's HEAVENLY CREATURES back in 1994. She's joined by Xena/Ash vs. Evil Dead's Lucy Lawless, prolific character actor Timothy Spall, and Charlie Heaton, who will be seen on this summer's Netflix series Stranger Things.
THE CHANGEOVER will be directed by the husband and wife team of Stuart McKenzie and Miranda Harcourt, working from a screenplay written by McKenzie.
The film will center on
a 16-year-old who lives in a low-rent suburb on the edge of earthquake-scarred Christchurch with her mother and four-year-old brother. When an ancient spirit attacks her brother and slowly drains the life out of him, she discovers her true identity and the supernatural ability within her, which she must harness to save her brother’s life.
The movie will be filming in Christchurch, with production scheduled to begin in August. Producer Emma Slade describes the story as being about "finding your individual empowerment in a scary, thrilling, supernatural environment."