Get ready for a chilling new film! Neon just landed worldwide rights for ‘Hokum,’ starring the incredible Adam Scott. He plays a reclusive novelist who stumbles upon an ancient witch haunting in a remote Irish inn. What dark secrets will he uncover, and can he escape its grasp? This psychological thriller promises to keep you on the edge of your seat until 2026!
A significant development in the cinematic landscape sees Neon acquiring the coveted worldwide distribution rights for “Hokum,” a highly anticipated horror thriller starring the acclaimed actor Adam Scott. This acquisition positions “Hokum” as a prominent title in Neon’s upcoming slate, promising a unique and chilling narrative for audiences globally. The film, which has already garnered considerable industry buzz, is poised to make a substantial impact upon its release.
The narrative thrust of “Hokum” centers on Ohm Bauman, a reclusive novelist portrayed by Adam Scott, who embarks on a journey to a remote Irish inn to fulfill the somber task of scattering his parents’ ashes. However, his retreat takes a sinister turn as unsettling tales from the inn’s staff about an ancient witch haunting the honeymoon suite begin to consume his mind. This descent into local folklore soon manifests in disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance, drawing Bauman into a nightmarish confrontation with the darkest, most unsettling corners of his own past.
Helming this intriguing project is Damian McCarthy, who not only directs but also penned the screenplay for “Hokum.” McCarthy’s vision promises to deliver a masterfully crafted psychological horror experience, building on his reputation for atmospheric storytelling and suspense. His creative direction is expected to be a key factor in the film’s ability to captivate and terrify its audience.
Neon is set to launch “Hokum” theatrically across the U.S. in 2026, indicating their confidence in the film’s commercial and critical potential. Concurrently, Neon International will manage the foreign sales rights, introducing the film to international buyers at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next week. This strategic global rollout underscores the film’s broad appeal and market viability.
The production boasts a robust collaboration of industry players, with Waypoint Entertainment’s Cweature Features joining as co-producers. They align with established entities such as Image Nation and Spooky Pictures, alongside Team Thrives, who have co-financed the project, providing crucial backing for this ambitious horror thriller. The film is currently in its post-production phase, moving steadily towards its highly anticipated release.
Beyond Adam Scott’s leading role, the ensemble cast further enhances the film’s pedigree. Peter Coonan and David Wilmot lend their talents, alongside Florence Ordesh, Will O’Connell, and Michael Patric, enriching the depth of the performances. Siox C, Brendan Conroy, Austin Amelio, and Ezra Carlisle round out the cast, bringing a diverse range of acting prowess to the atmospheric Irish setting.
This particular project marks the latest collaboration for Image Nation and Spooky Pictures, building on a successful track record. Their previous partnerships include Charlie Polinger’s lauded feature which debuted in Cannes, a hit from last year, and the critically acclaimed thriller directed by Chloe Okuno starring Maika Monroe, signaling a consistent commitment to high-quality genre cinema.
Furthermore, “Hokum” is the sixth title in the current Image Nation/Spooky Pictures slate. This slate also features Bryan Edward Hills’ upcoming film starring Connor Leslie and Randall Okita’s project starring Isabel May, which was notably acquired by IFC/Shudder at Cannes last year, underscoring their active and influential presence in independent film production.
