Paul Dano has joined the cast of Paramount Pictures’ upcoming remake of the 1981 cult horror classic Possession. The actor will star alongside previously announced leads Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley in the supernatural thriller, which is being written and directed by Parker Finn, the filmmaker behind Paramount’s successful Smile franchise.
Character details for Dano’s role are being kept under wraps, with the studio yet to reveal additional story or casting information. His addition marks the latest major update for the project, which was first announced by Paramount in 2024 and has steadily assembled a high-profile cast and creative team.
The remake reunites Paramount with Parker Finn following the commercial success of Smile (2022) and Smile 2 (2024). Finn is writing, directing, and producing the film through his Bad Feeling production banner, continuing his collaboration with the studio on another psychological horror project.
The new film is based on Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 psychological supernatural horror film Possession, which has since become one of the genre’s most acclaimed cult classics. The original starred Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani as a married couple whose relationship spirals into psychological turmoil and increasingly disturbing supernatural events following their separation.
Upon its initial release, Possession divided critics and audiences with its unconventional storytelling and graphic imagery. Over the years, however, it has been widely reappraised as a landmark psychological horror film. Adjani won the Best Actress award at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival for her performance, while the film has continued to influence filmmakers and horror enthusiasts for decades.
Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner were announced earlier as the remake’s lead stars, though Paramount has not disclosed which characters they will portray. Reports have also indicated that Isabelle Adjani has expressed her support for Qualley’s casting, giving the project an endorsement from one of the original film’s most celebrated stars.
With Paul Dano now joining the ensemble, the remake adds another acclaimed performer to its cast. Dano is widely recognized for his performances in films including There Will Be Blood, Prisoners, Love & Mercy, The Batman, The Fabelmans, and Dumb Money. His recent work has established him as one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors, making his addition a notable development for the project.
Behind the scenes, the film is being produced by Robert Pattinson, Roy Lee, Andrew Childs, and Jonathan Fass, with Marc Bienstock serving as executive producer. The involvement of Pattinson, who has increasingly expanded his work as a producer alongside his acting career, further strengthens the film’s creative team.
Although Paramount has yet to reveal plot details or announce a release date, the remake continues to gather momentum as production moves forward. With Parker Finn directing and a cast led by Paul Dano, Margaret Qualley, and Callum Turner, Possession is steadily taking shape as one of the studio’s upcoming horror projects.
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