Set to adapt the novel Wilderness Reform into a feature film, Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman, known for their work on M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin, have been chosen by Paramount Pictures. The novel, penned by Harrison Query and Matt Query, will be transformed into a coming-of-age horror thriller.
Lindsey Anderson Beer, who made her directorial debut with last year’s Pet Sematary: Bloodline, will produce the film through her Lab Brew production company, as part of her first-look deal with Paramount. Scott Glassgold will also produce through his Ground Control production company.
The narrative centers on a wilderness camp for troubled adolescents, focusing on a 13-year-old named Ben who arrives there for a reform program. While the counselors appear overly cheerful, an unsettling atmosphere permeates the camp.
Ben and his new friends, who possess distinct abilities, must band together to unravel the camp’s dark secrets, mysterious events, and the sinister forces hidden within. The book’s themes echo classic Stephen King stories and explore the loss of innocence.
Lab Brew, managed by Beer along with VPs Alexandra Banks and Spencer Walken, is involved in several projects, both original and based on existing properties. Beer is working on an American Girl feature for Paramount and is also writing and directing Optimize.
Lab Brew is collaborating with UCP and James Wan’s Atomic Monster on a reimagining of the 1964 film The Munsters, titled 1313. Beer’s Pet Sematary film achieved record-breaking success on Paramount+.
Desmond and Sherman gained prominence with Knock at the Cabin, featuring Dave Bautista and Jonathan Groff. They initially made waves with their original screenplay, Harry’s All-Night Hamburgers, which won acclaim on the Black List and led to a competitive sale to Warner Bros.