Shudder Announces Exciting Acquisition of "The Mortuary Assistant" Movie Adaptation at Comic-Con
During the thrilling Comic-Con panel titled “The Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror,” Shudder unveiled its latest acquisition: The Mortuary Assistant. This highly anticipated film is a feature adaptation of the bestselling horror video game created by Brian Clarke, which we first reported on earlier this year. Slated for release in 2026, the film features talented actors Willa Holland, known for her role in Arrow, and Paul Sparks from Boardwalk Empire.
The Mortuary Assistant follows the chilling journey of Rebecca Owens, portrayed by Holland, a newly certified mortician who takes on a daunting night shift at the River Field Mortuary. Tasked with embalming bodies alone, Rebecca soon discovers that dark forces are at play. Throughout the film, she must confront demonic rituals, uncover the secrets of her mysterious mentor (played by Sparks), and face her own hidden traumas to survive the night and avoid becoming a vessel for possession.
Originally launched on PC in 2022, the game quickly became a viral sensation and gained a cult following. It has since expanded to various gaming platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The film adaptation promises to deepen the game’s narrative and explore the mythology of the demonic entities haunting River Fields.
Adam Koehler, Shudder’s Director of Acquisitions and Productions, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’ve been admirers of The Mortuary Assistant since its original release, captivated by its atmosphere and psychological intensity. With a filmmaker who masterfully commands tone and suspense, the film expands on the game’s terrifying world in a way that feels both faithful and deeply cinematic. We’re beyond excited to bring this chilling experience to Shudder.”
Directed by Jeremiah Kipp, known for Slapface, the film is based on a screenplay by Tracee Beebe (Dog Years) and Brian Clarke. The Mortuary Assistant is produced by Patrick Ewald’s Epic Pictures through its horror division, Dread, and its video game branch, DreadXP, alongside Cole Payne’s Traverse Media. The acquisition deal was skillfully negotiated by Koehler and Emily Gotto for Shudder, along with Patrick Ewald for Epic Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers.
Stay tuned for more updates on this spine-tingling adaptation as it approaches its 2026 release!
