Jennifer Kent’s Upcoming Project: A New Horror Adaptation
The Babadook Director’s Next Move
Jennifer Kent, the acclaimed director behind the 2014 horror film The Babadook, has tantalized fans with hints about her next venture. Having earned accolades for her innovative use of horror to explore themes of grief and depression, Kent has confirmed that her upcoming project originates from a renowned horror author—though not Stephen King, despite her admiration for his work. Following her success with The Babadook, Kent went on to write and direct The Nightingale in 2018 and contributed to Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities by directing the episode “The Murmuring.”
A New Horror Adaptation
In a conversation with Screen Rant, Kent revealed she is collaborating with a well-known horror author for her next film, although she remains tight-lipped about the details. She expressed enthusiasm for this adaptation, mentioning that an official announcement is imminent, pending the finalization of a deal. If everything goes as planned, production is set to begin in 2025. Here’s what Kent shared:
“I can tell you that I’m teaming up with a very well-known horror writer/author to try and make one of his books. And it’s not Stephen King. [Chuckles] So, that’s all I can say at this point. We’re hoping to release information about that in a couple of weeks, we’re in the middle of deal making, but if that goes ahead, I’m super excited about making that next year. I love Stephen King, of course, there’s nothing against him, but it’s not him.”
Exploring Kent’s Cinematic Trajectory
Continuing Her Journey in Horror
Prior to this announcement, Kent was working on two other projects: an original screenplay titled Grace and an adaptation of Alexis Cole’s novel Alice + Frida Forever, which delves into the real-life story of murderer Alice Mitchell. In 2014, HBO also reached out to her for a potential TV series collaboration. The format of her new horror project—whether it will be a film or television series—remains uncertain. However, her collaboration with a prominent horror author suggests that her focus remains firmly on the horror genre, despite her involvement in diverse projects.
Speculation About the Mysterious Author
The Babadook Ending Explained: What The Monster Really Means
While Kent has not disclosed the identity of the author she is collaborating with, the revelation that it’s not Stephen King leaves the door open for other prominent figures in the horror genre. Possible candidates might include Dean Koontz, Joe Hill, Clive Barker, or Paul Tremblay. Given Kent’s knack for embedding deeper meanings into her horror stories, as seen with The Babadook and “The Murmuring,” it’s plausible that her new project will similarly explore themes of grief and loss.
Kent’s 2018 film The Nightingale was met with controversy due to its graphic depictions of violence, yet it still garnered critical acclaim, even if it struggled at the box office.
Anticipation for Kent’s Next Horror Tale
Diverse Narrative Possibilities
The prospect of Jennifer Kent collaborating with a horror author is thrilling, sparking curiosity about the themes and narrative direction her next project might take. While she might revisit themes of grief, she could also venture into new thematic territories that diverge from loss. With Kent hinting that more details will soon be revealed, fans eagerly await the announcement of the author she’s partnering with, which will surely shed light on the nature of this anticipated horror project.
The Babadook
- Horror
- Drama
Jennifer Kent's directorial debut follows Amelia, a widowed Australian mother still grieving the violent death of her husband. When Amelia's son Samuel begins insisting that a monster has taken up residence in their home, she must attempt to keep Sam safe despite the looming seemingly supernatural presence that threatens to take both of their lives. Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman star as Amelia and Samuel.
