.png)
3 weeks ago
39 ARTICLE AD
EXCLUSIVE: Fresh off acclaimed genre pic The Substance, Margaret Qualley has been set to star in psychological horror-thriller Victorian Psycho, which Anton is launching ahead of next week’s American Film Market.
It’s a strong premise for the in-demand Qualley. Set in 1858, the film will follow a young, eccentric governess named Winifred Notty (Qualley) who arrives at the remote gothic manor known as Ensor House. Winifred’s responsibilities include teaching the children table manners and educating them about their family’s history, all whilst hiding her psychopathic tendencies. As Winifred assimilates into life at Ensor House, staff members begin to inexplicably disappear, and the owners of the estate begin to wonder if there is something amiss about their new governess.
Zachary Wigon (Sanctuary) is directing from a script by author Virginia Feito (Mrs. March), based on her upcoming novel of the same name. Production is set to begin in March 2025.
Pic is produced by Dan Kagan (Longlegs) under his Traffic banner as well as Sebastien Raybaud (Greenland: Migration) and Wigon, in association with Anonymous Content. Nick Shumaker and Bard Dorros will executive-produce.
Anton is fully financing and is representing international rights. U.S. rights are co-represented by Anton, UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance.
This marks the second collaboration between Wigon and Qualley, following Wigon’s film Sanctuary, which premiered at TIFF in 2022 and was acquired by Neon.
Qualley noted today: “Working with Zach [Wigon] again feels like a rare gift, and I can’t wait to step into this twisted world he’s created.”
Wigon added: “As soon as I discovered this thoroughly insane and unforgettable character, I knew I had to introduce moviegoers to Winifred Notty. I am beyond thrilled that the utterly fearless Margaret Qualley will be bringing this complex antihero to vivid life. Virginia Feito’s screenplay is an audacious blend of psychodrama, satire, gore and mystery. With horror aficionado producer Dan Kagan and the support of Anton and Anonymous, I cannot wait to make Victorian Psycho.”
In 2021, Qualley starred in the Netflix limited series Maid, for which she received Emmy, Screen Actors Guild and Critics’ Choice Award nominations. Her additional credits include Once Upon a Time in Hollywood…, Kinds of Kindness, Poor Things, and Fosse/Verdon. Her upcoming films include Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t, Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, and Huntington, also starring Glen Powell.
Wigon is repped by United Talent Agency and Anonymous Content. Qualley is repped by Creative Artists Agency, and Sloane Offer. Feito is repped by Neon Literary Agency, Jackoway Austen and WME.
