Searchlight Pictures Adapts Grady Hendrix's 'Horrorstör' for Film

Searchlight Pictures has acquired the film rights to *Horrorstör*, a comedic horror novel by Grady Hendrix, originally published in 2014. The adaptation will be directed by Jonathan Levine, known for his work on films such as *Long Shot* and *50/50*. Levine is also responsible for the latest draft of the screenplay, building on an earlier version by Hendrix. The project has transitioned from an initial television development effort at Fox, which involved Gail Berman’s The Jackal Group, to a film format under New Republic Pictures, which secured the rights in 2020.

Deadline Hollywood

*Horrorstör* is set in a fictional furniture superstore named Orsk, reminiscent of IKEA, located in Cleveland. The narrative follows a group of employees who, concerned about mysterious supernatural occurrences—such as broken furniture and unexplained messes—volunteer for an overnight shift to investigate. Their decision leads to unexpected and sinister revelations.

Jonathan Levine Set to Direct Grady Hendrix’s ‘Horrorstör’ for Searchlight Pictures

Jonathan Levine will direct and write the adaptation, while Brian Oliver of New Republic Pictures, Gillian Bohrer of Megamix, Adam Goldworm of Aperture Entertainment, and Brad Fischer are producing. Grady Hendrix will serve as an executive producer alongside Quirk Books, the book's publisher. The project is being overseen by Richard Ruiz and Apolline Berty from Searchlight Pictures, reporting to DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas.

Deadline Hollywood

Grady Hendrix is recognized for his contributions to the horror genre, with *Horrorstör* being his third published novel. He has previously seen success with adaptations of his works, including *My Best Friend’s Exorcism*, which was adapted into a feature film by Amazon. Hendrix's bibliography includes several other titles that have garnered attention, such as *How To Sell Haunted House* and *Ankle Snatcher*.

Jonathan Levine Set to Direct Grady Hendrix’s ‘Horrorstör’ for Searchlight Pictures

Searchlight Pictures has confirmed the adaptation, emphasizing the unique premise of reimagining a haunted house story within a big-box retail environment. Jonathan Levine expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting the blend of horror and humor that characterizes Hendrix's writing.

Deadline Hollywood

While the adaptation has generated excitement, some critics may question the transition from a television format to film, particularly given the initial involvement of notable figures like Charlie Kaufman and Josh Schwartz. The effectiveness of the adaptation in capturing the novel's tone and humor remains to be seen.

Hollywood Reporter

The film adaptation of *Horrorstör* is currently in development, with no specific release date announced. Jonathan Levine's upcoming projects, including *Mr. Irrelevant*, are set to release in December, potentially influencing the timeline for *Horrorstör*.

Hollywood Reporter

• “Reimagining the haunted-house story within the context of a big-box store, Horrorstör takes place in Orsk, a furniture superstore much like IKEA, which begins to be plagued by unexplained phenomena, with broken furniture, mysterious messes, and inexplicable damage appearing overnight.” — Deadline

Deadline Hollywood

• “Concerned about corporate image and dwindling morale, the store manager convinces a group of employees to stay overnight to investigate these occurrences.” — Deadline

Deadline Hollywood

• “A New York Times bestseller, Hendrix is also behind titles like How To Sell Haunted House (set up at Legendary with Sam Raimi’s Ghost House producing), Ankle Snatcher (set up at Columbia with Escape Artists), The Blanks (set up at Netflix with 21 Laps), and Witchcraft For Wayward Girls, among many others in the genre space, which together have sold more than two million copies around the world.” — Deadline

Deadline Hollywood