Margaret Qualley was originally set to star in the much-awaited psychological thriller, *Victorian Psycho*, but in a surprising twist this year, she stepped away from the project on the brink of production. With the film’s release on the horizon, a new actress has joined the cast—Maika Monroe, celebrated for her captivating performance in *Longlegs*.
Set in the eerie atmosphere of 1858, *Victorian Psycho* features Monroe as Winifred Notty, an idiosyncratic governess. Tasked with not only teaching table manners but also imparting the unsettling history of her young charges, Winifred’s facade starts to crack as mysterious vanishings among the household staff begin to unfold. The film, directed by Zachary Wigon—known for the film *Sanctuary*—is scripted by Virginia Feito, who has adapted the screenplay from her own novel. Filming is slated to kick off this August.
Wigon shared his enthusiasm for Monroe’s casting, commenting, “Maika’s intense screen presence has resonated with me over and over again throughout her history of complex performances. I’m absolutely thrilled for her to bring her unique style of psychological portraiture to the fascinatingly bizarre Winifred Notty.”
However, the production faced additional hurdles beyond Qualley’s exit, as A24, the studio originally slated for domestic distribution, withdrew shortly after her departure. Negotiations are currently underway with other potential domestic distributors. Thankfully, pre-sales in various international markets have already been secured, providing hope that a new partner will be found in the near future.
Monroe recently shared the screen with Nicolas Cage in *Longlegs*, and her future projects are equally intriguing. Excitingly, she is set to star in a remake of *The Hand That Rocks the Cradle,* alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Raúl Castillo. Additionally, she’s preparing to return for the sequel to *They Follow*, a follow-up to the acclaimed horror film *It Follows*, which debuted over a decade ago. Monroe has tantalizingly hinted that the sequel will be “bigger, darker, and more f*cked up” than its predecessor, although precise details remain under wraps, other than its setting being a decade after the original story.
As *Victorian Psycho* gears up for filming, fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds in the ever-expanding horror genre, showcasing Monroe’s evolution as an actress and the creative vision behind this promising production.
