Harnessing Fear: A Cinematic Journey Through Darkness

This adaptation marks not only an exciting venture but also the inaugural project under Crooked Highway’s exclusive partnership with Screen Gems/Sony Pictures. The film promises to deliver a harrowing experience rooted in historical horror and supernatural elements.

A Terrifying Tale Set Against a Grim Backdrop

The story unfolds along the Kolyma Highway in Siberia, a road steeped in dark history. Constructed during Stalin's regime using forced labor from gulag prisoners, legends whisper that countless lives were lost in its creation. The permafrost conditions led to bodies being buried beneath the very ground they worked on, creating a macabre foundation for the highway.

In Christopher Golden's novel, readers encounter an American filmmaker drawn to uncover the road's sinister past. As he delves deeper, his journey transforms into a desperate fight for survival amidst freezing temperatures and eerie phenomena. Published in 2022 by St. Martin’s Press, the book blends folk horror traditions with tales of endurance, setting the stage for a cinematic masterpiece.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill have established themselves as masters of the genre, renowned for crafting stories that linger long after the credits roll. Their collaboration extends beyond writing; Derrickson will take the helm as director while both serve as producers under their banner, Crooked Highway Productions.

This endeavor represents the first major undertaking following their successful deal with Screen Gems/Sony Pictures. With their track record of delivering compelling narratives and visual spectacles, fans eagerly anticipate how this team will translate Golden's chilling prose into a visceral movie-going experience.

Christopher Golden: A Voice of Horror

As a New York Times best-selling author, Christopher Golden brings a wealth of experience in crafting terrifying tales. His accolades include receiving Brad Stoker Awards for both fiction and non-fiction works, showcasing his versatility within the horror genre. Beyond novels like Ararat, Golden collaborates with legendary comic creators such as Mike Mignola, co-developing iconic series including Baltimore, contributing to the expansive Outerverse universe.

Golden's involvement ensures authenticity and depth in the adaptation process, bringing his unique perspective to the screenplay development alongside Derrickson and Cargill. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of maintaining fidelity to the source material while infusing fresh creative insights.

Building Momentum with Recent Successes

Prior to embarking on this ambitious project, Derrickson and Cargill celebrated significant achievements with Apple TV+'s blockbuster release, The Gorge. Directed by Derrickson, this action-horror feature featuring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy achieved remarkable success, becoming the largest premiere in Apple TV+ history. Such triumphs underscore their ability to captivate audiences across various platforms and formats.

Looking ahead, fans can expect more thrilling adventures with The Black Phone 2, set for release on October 17 via Universal and Blumhouse. This continuation builds upon the original's acclaim, further solidifying Derrickson and Cargill's status as premier storytellers in the horror realm. Represented by WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Crooked Highway continues to expand its influence in Hollywood, promising innovative projects that push boundaries and redefine genres.