Vintage Dummy Sparks Nightmare in New Horror Film

Principal photography for the psychological horror thriller 'Speak' is slated to commence this October, with a worldwide release anticipated in 2027. The film, which stars Josh Duhamel, centers on a twelve-year-old boy in 1994 whose father descends into terrifying unhingement after acquiring a vintage ventriloquist dummy. Dark occurrences shatter the tranquility of their isolated home, forcing the boy into a harrowing psychological nightmare.

Directed by John Kissack and co-written by Joe Carnahan, the elevated genre package is being produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura. CAA Media Finance arranged financing, and Edoardo Bussi's Twenty-Nine Palms Entertainment will introduce the project to buyers at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival Market. The script is described as fusing 90s nostalgia with an elevated, character-driven approach.

Carnahan praised Kissack as a tenacious and talented filmmaker, expressing excitement for the collaboration with di Bonaventura and Duhamel, whom he has previously worked with. Marvin Neil is producing under his newly launched studio, Inaugural Entertainment, with Kevin Weisberg also involved. Bussi highlighted the project's high concept and visceral narrative, positioning it as a priority genre title for international distributors.