Exciting Film Adaptation Coming
One of the standout horror novels of 2024, written by Josh Malerman (who is also known for Bird Box), is taking the leap to the big screen. Incidents Around the House is being rebranded as Other Mommy and is on a fast track to production, especially now that they have cast their young lead. Universal and Atomic Monster, the same team behind the 2021 Mortal Kombat film and its sequel, are producing this adaptation, scheduled for release in 2026.
Cast and Crew
Eight-year-old Arabella Olivia Clark, famous for her role in Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, has been chosen for the lead role of Bela, the main character in Other Mommy. Rob Savage is set to direct the film, and the screenplay is being penned by Nathan Elston. Aside from Clark, the movie will also feature a talented cast that includes Jessica Chastain (Interstellar, It Chapter Two), Jay Duplass (Baghead, The Baltimorons), and Dichen Lachman (Jurassic World Dominion, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes).
About the Novel
Incidents Around the House was published on June 25, 2024, and quickly garnered attention from both fans and critics. The book’s unique storytelling structure and quick, staccato style effectively pull readers into the mind of Bela. Malerman excels at building tension, making this slow-burn psychological thriller a gripping read. The novel delves into themes like childhood trauma and parental anxiety, leaving readers eager to turn the pages. It currently holds an impressive rating of 3.8/5 on Goodreads, and early indications suggest that the film will closely follow the book’s plot.
Atomic Monster’s Upcoming Projects
Turning our focus to Atomic Monster, they have several other horror films in the pipeline, all set for release within the next year. Along with Other Mommy, they are working on Mortal Kombat II, The Conjuring: Last Rites, and a spin-off of M3GAN titled SOULM8TE. Additionally, Lee Cronin is working on a new version of The Mummy.
Challenges After Merging
That said, Atomic Monster has faced some hurdles since their merger with Blumhouse earlier in 2024. Recent releases like Night Swim and the ‘Salem’s Lot remake have not been well-received, leading to critical disappointment. On a brighter note, The Monkey, based on a short story by Stephen King, has been their shining success. Their last major release, M3GAN 2.0, didn’t quite make waves at the box office, which has added to the pressure.
Conclusion
In essence, Other Mommy is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the horror genre, especially with a young talent like Arabella Olivia Clark leading the way. Josh Malerman’s gripping narrative style appears to set a strong foundation for the film. Judging by Atomic Monster’s ambitious slate of projects, 2026 might be a significant year for horror fans. With the potential for engaging stories that explore deep themes, this film adaptation is definitely one to keep an eye on.
