Kick-Ass 2 and Imaginary director Jeff Wadlow is preparing to delve into a new venture with his upcoming film, Devil’s Mouth, which stars Kathryn Newton and Lana Condor in principal roles.
The script, penned by Aja Gabel and MJ Wesner, gained recognition on the esteemed 2019 Black List, highlighting some of the most promising unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. Originally titled Apex, the narrative centers around a group of former college friends who find themselves trapped in an underwater cave system in Mexico. As they battle against a looming bull shark, they also contend with the resurrection of old rivalries that complicate their survival. However, recent reports indicate that Wadlow has shifted the film’s setting from Mexico to Thailand, as noted by Deadline.
Jeff Wadlow has gained prominence in the horror sector, earning a DGA Award nomination for his directorial work on the reboot of the well-loved series Are You Afraid of the Dark?, directing four episodes in its second season. His collaboration with Blumhouse Productions commenced with the 2018 film Truth or Dare and continued with a reimagining of the classic show Fantasy Island. Most recently, he directed Imaginary, which features a seemingly innocuous stuffed bear that takes a sinister turn. Devil’s Mouth is a co-production between Amazon MGM Studios and Lionsgate, adding to Wadlow’s noteworthy credits including Cry Wolf (2005) and The Curse of Bridge Hollow for Netflix. Additionally, Wadlow has contributed his writing talents to shows like Bates Motel and The Strain. There are even whispers about him potentially directing the DC Universe’s upcoming project featuring Clayface.
Kathryn Newton, one of the film’s notable stars, has left a significant imprint on television, appearing in shows such as Smallville, Halt and Catch Fire, and Big Little Lies. Her role as Cassie Lang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and her performance in Zelda Williams’ Lisa Frankenstein are just a few highlights of her growing portfolio. Fans can also look forward to seeing her in the sequel Ready or Not: Here I Come. Co-star Lana Condor has made a name for herself as well, notably portraying Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse and starring in the popular To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy. Her upcoming project, Coyote vs. Acme, is set for release in 2026, as reported by Joblo.
This new project seems poised to blend thrilling elements of adventure and psychological tension. How do you feel about Jeff Wadlow’s evolution as a director? What are your expectations for Devil’s Mouth?