Possession Remake in the Works from Smile Director

Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 psychological horror movie Possession is getting a remake from Smile writer/director Parker Finn, THR reports today, and actor Robert Pattinson is set to produce.

Finn is currently attached to write and direct the remake, which has reportedly caused a bidding war among A24, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, and Warner Bros.

The project is still in its developmental early stages, meaning no plot or casting details are in place as of yet. But the original film is a strangely told narrative about an international spy and his intense relationship with his wife, it’s a haunting dissection of the dissolution of a relationship and the strange love affair the wife develops with a tentacle creature.

Leads Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani in the 1981 film devote every fiber of their being to their roles, and I don’t know that anyone has so fully committed themselves to their role as Adjani since. Disturbing, unnerving, and confusing, Possession is more of an emotional experience than a linear narrative, and there’s nothing else like it. Of course, it wasn’t a huge hit upon release, but it has emerged as a strong cult favorite in recent years.

Żuławski’s film recently received a new 4K restoration: “Banned upon release in 1981, Żuławski’s stunningly choreographed nightmare of a marriage unraveling is an experience unlike any other. Professional spy Mark (Neill) returns to his West Berlin home to find his wife Anna (Adjani) insistent on a divorce. As Anna’s frenzied behavior becomes ever more alarming, Mark discovers a truth more sinister than his wildest suspicions. With its pulsating score, visceral imagery, and some of the most haunting performances ever captured on screen, Possession is cinematic delirium at its most intoxicating.”

Pattinson is producing via his production company Icki Eneo Arlo, but there’s no confirmation at this time whether he’ll join the cast. Also producing is Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee, who helped produce Zach Cregger’s breakout Barbarian. 

Pattinson most recently starred in 2022’s The Batman and will return in January 2025 with Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17. As for Finn, look for Smile 2 to arrive in theaters this Halloween season.

With a bidding war underway for Possession, expect to hear more details on this project soon. Stay tuned. 

In the meantime, Żuławski’s Possession is currently available to stream on Shudder.