Josh Duhamel has been cast in the psychological horror thriller Speak, directed by John Kissack and co-written by Joe Carnahan, Kissack, and Casey Giltner. The film, produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura through Di Bonaventura Pictures, revolves around a vintage ventriloquist dummy that brings terror to a young boy and his father. Set in 1994, the storyline follows the boy as he witnesses his father’s unsettling transformation after acquiring the dummy, leading to a series of disturbing events in their isolated home. Principal photography is slated to begin this October, with a worldwide release projected for 2027. The film will be introduced to buyers at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival Market.
Why It Matters
The emergence of psychological horror films, particularly those involving childhood fears and family dynamics, reflects a growing interest in the genre that has seen success in recent years. Movies like The Babadook and Hereditary have established a trend where horror intertwines with psychological elements, exploring mental health and trauma. The choice of a ventriloquist dummy as a focal point taps into longstanding cultural fears surrounding dolls and inanimate objects, often associated with uncanny and unsettling themes. Duhamel’s involvement signals a potential draw for audiences familiar with his previous work in mainstream films, contributing to the film’s marketability at major industry events.
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