Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner to Star in Parker Finn’s ‘Possession’ Remake
Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner have been cast in the upcoming remake of Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 cult horror classic Possession, with Parker Finn set to write, direct, and produce the new version for Paramount Pictures. The casting was first revealed through a Vanity Fair photo feature and confirmed by multiple entertainment outlets in April 2026.
Finn, who gained prominence with the Smile franchise, is reimagining Żuławski’s psychologically intense film, which follows a spy who returns home to find his wife exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior after requesting a divorce. The original film starred Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill, with Adjani winning the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance.
Robert Pattinson is producing the remake through his production company Icki Eneo Arlo, alongside Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment. Pattinson was initially attached to star in the project when it was first announced in 2024 but has since transitioned to a producing role.
The remake is being developed amid renewed interest in elevated horror, with Finn aiming to honor the original’s legacy while bringing a contemporary sensibility to its themes of identity, paranoia, and existential dread. No release date has been announced as of April 2026.
Background on the Original ‘Possession’
Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession premiered in 1981 and was initially met with controversy due to its intense imagery and thematic depth, leading to bans in several countries. Over time, it has been re-evaluated as a landmark of psychological horror and art-house cinema. Isabelle Adjani’s portrayal of Anna, a woman unraveling amid personal and political turmoil, remains one of the most discussed performances in film history.
The film’s blend of marital breakdown, supernatural ambiguity, and Cold War-era anxiety has influenced generations of filmmakers and continues to be cited in discussions of avant-garde horror.
Creative Team and Production Details
Parker Finn is serving as writer, director, and producer on the remake, marking his first major project outside the Smile universe. His involvement signals a shift toward more auteur-driven horror projects at Paramount, following the commercial success of his previous films.
Roy Lee, a veteran producer known for horror remakes such as The Ring and The Grudge, is collaborating through Vertigo Entertainment. His experience in adapting international genre films for Western audiences adds significant weight to the project.
While the script is still in development, early reports indicate that Finn intends to preserve the original’s core narrative structure while exploring updated psychological and emotional dimensions.
Cast and Character Expectations
Margaret Qualley, known for her breakout role in The Substance and acclaimed performances in Maid and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is expected to take on the role originally played by Isabelle Adjani. Callum Turner, recognized for his work in Green Room and Victor Frankenstein, is cast in the role of the returning spy, originally portrayed by Sam Neill.
Neither actor has publicly commented on their involvement as of April 2026, but both have expressed interest in challenging, character-driven roles in past interviews.
Industry Context and Anticipation
The announcement comes during a period of heightened activity in horror remakes, particularly those rooted in international arthouse cinema. Studios have increasingly looked to recontextualize cult films for modern audiences, balancing reverence for the source material with contemporary storytelling techniques.
Finch’s involvement, combined with the casting of Qualley and Turner—both rising stars with strong critical followings—has generated early buzz within industry circles. However, the project remains in early development, with no filming schedule or release window confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the original ‘Possession’ about?
The original film follows a spy who returns to West Berlin to find his wife exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior after asking for a divorce. What begins as suspicion of infidelity evolves into a psychological and supernatural ordeal involving identity, psychosis, and existential dread.
Is Parker Finn directing the remake?
Yes, Parker Finn is writing, directing, and producing the remake of Possession for Paramount Pictures.
Who is producing the film?
Robert Pattinson is producing through his company Icki Eneo Arlo, alongside Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment.
When will the remake be released?
As of April 2026, no release date has been announced for the Possession remake.
Is this a direct remake of the 1981 film?
Yes, the project is described as a remake of Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 film Possession, with Parker Finn adapting the original story for a contemporary audience.
Possession remains one of the most influential and polarizing films in horror history, and its remake represents a significant test of whether its intense, ambiguous power can be successfully translated for a new generation. With Parker Finn at the helm and a cast featuring two of today’s most compelling young actors, the project has the potential to be both a critical and cultural event—provided it approaches the source material with the rigor and imagination it demands.