“Adam Scott to Lead New Project from Visionary Director of 2024’s Most Anticipated Thriller”

Adam Scott may be preoccupied with confronting dubious corporate figures in the popular Apple TV Plus series Severance at the moment, but he will soon face an even greater challenge in creator-director Damian McCarthy’s upcoming horror film: witches.

Having recently secured the leading role, as reported by Variety, Scott is preparing to portray a horror novelist in the supernatural thriller Hokum; a Stephen King-like character who journeys to rural Ireland to spread his parents’ ashes – unaware that the inn he’s reserved is allegedly haunted by an ancient witch. The supporting cast includes Peter Coonan (The Sister) and David Wilmot (Bodkin).

Filming is set to commence on location in late February, marking the fifth partnership between Image Nation and Spooky Pictures. Their previous collaborations include the eerie thriller Watcher and the found footage film Late Night with the Devil. Tailored Pictures, the production company behind The Apprentice and Bring Them Down, is also involved.

“With Adam’s skill and charm and Damian’s distinctive direction, this presents another chance for us to challenge norms in the horror genre and continue to make a splash in the global marketplace,” producer Ben Ross stated in a press release.

Over the past five years, McCarthy has distinguished himself in the horror genre, captivating audiences with Caveat (2020) and 2024’s Oddity, which premiered to a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. Both films delve into psychological trauma and isolation as they follow their protagonists – an amnesiac driver and a blind medium – who find themselves in remote locations, only to become convinced they are sharing their space with the vessel of a malevolent force; a toy rabbit and a wooden mannequin, respectively. Although McCarthy’s works often have a twist or a surprise ending…

While he may be primarily recognized for his comedic performances in Step Brothers and Parks and Recreation, Scott is no stranger to horror, either, having appeared in various titles.