Shudder Acquires The Mortuary Assistant: A Chilling Horror Film Adaptation
At a recent Comic-Con panel titled “The Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror,” Shudder revealed its exciting acquisition of The Mortuary Assistant, a feature film adaptation based on the hit horror video game by creator Brian Clarke. We previously reported this exclusive news earlier this year. Set to be released in 2026, the film stars Willa Holland, known for her role in Arrow, and Paul Sparks from Boardwalk Empire.
The Mortuary Assistant follows the gripping story of Rebecca Owens (played by Holland), a newly certified mortician who takes on a night shift at the River Field Mortuary. As she embarks on her solo journey of embalming bodies, she soon discovers that dark forces are at play. Throughout the film, Rebecca must confront demonic rituals, unravel the mysteries surrounding her enigmatic mentor (Sparks), and face her own hidden traumas in a desperate fight for survival. Will she be able to keep her body from becoming a vessel for possession?
Originally launched on PC in 2022, the game became a viral sensation and gained a dedicated fanbase. It has since expanded to various gaming platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The film aims to deepen the game’s world and mythology, exploring the disturbing lore of the demonic entities haunting River Fields.
Adam Koehler, Director of Acquisitions and Productions for Shudder, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’ve been fans of The Mortuary Assistant since its debut, drawn in by its atmospheric tension and psychological depth. With a talented filmmaker at the helm, the film will faithfully expand on the game’s terrifying universe in a way that feels both authentic and cinematic. We can’t wait to share this spine-chilling experience with our audience.”
Directed by Jeremiah Kipp (Slapface), the film features a screenplay co-written by Tracee Beebe (Dog Years) and Clarke. The Mortuary Assistant is produced by Patrick Ewald’s Epic Pictures through its horror division, Dread, along with Cole Payne’s Traverse Media. The acquisition deal was negotiated by Koehler and Emily Gotto on behalf of Shudder, in collaboration with Patrick Ewald for Epic Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Mortuary Assistant, as this film promises to deliver a haunting cinematic experience that horror fans won’t want to miss!
