Full Breakdown
Lice Secures North American Theatrical Distribution for Early 2027 Release
5/9/2026, 10:10:51 PM
North American Distribution Deal
Magenta Light Studios has acquired the North American theatrical rights to the horror-thriller *Lice*. The story follows a 1980s Long Island high school under military lockdown during a parasite outbreak. The film is scheduled for a first-quarter 2027 theatrical launch, targeting a January-through-March window. The deal follows the film’s Cannes presentation, where Highland Film Group secured international sales.
Production Background
*Lice* is the feature-directorial debut of Jonathan Bensimon, based on a script by Anthony Musella and Shaun Harris. Executive producers include Bob Yari and David Spiegelman of Magenta Light Studios, with Eustace Montgomery Hicks also credited. Kevin Connolly co-produces through ActionPark Productions alongside Jeremy Alter.
Cast and Roles
Emile Hirsch stars as Mr. Shanker, a burned-out science teacher investigating the outbreak; Justin Long plays Principal Van, a school leader overwhelmed by the crisis; and Kevin Connolly appears as Detective Sikorsky, a police officer tasked with containing the emergency. Supporting actors include Emilie Bierre, Joelle Farrow, Riley Davis, Tom Keat, Annamarie Kasper, Cooper Levy, Christian Meer, Gage Munroe, Devyn Nekoda, Sabrina Saudin and Milton Torres Lara.
Release Plan
Magenta Light Studios will launch the film in U.S. theaters during Q1 2027. International sales are being handled by Highland Film Group from Cannes. The marketing approach stresses a “visceral, throwback thrill ride” that blends horror, dark humor and 1980s period aesthetics.
Official Statements
Director Jonathan Bensimon said the film aims to merge pulpy horror with character-driven tension, using tactile techniques for a nostalgic yet immediate visual style. CEO Bob Yari praised the script as a bold, wildly original ride. Producer Kevin Connolly highlighted his dual role as actor and producer, noting the collaborative nature of the project.
Verbatim Quotes
“We always wanted Lice to feel like a visceral, throwback thrill ride—something pulpy, unsettling, and darkly funny all at once.” — Jonathan Bensimon, Director
“Collaborating with this cast and creative team allowed us to push that tone in unexpected ways, balancing chaos with character.” — Jonathan Bensimon, Director
“We also leaned into bold, tactile techniques to create a visual style that feels both nostalgic and immediate.” — Jonathan Bensimon, Director
“From the moment we read the script, Lice stood out as a bold, wildly original ride,” — Bob Yari, CEO, Magenta Light Studios
Upcoming Steps
A marketing campaign will launch in late 2026, with teasers released ahead of the Q1 2027 opening. Observers expect the 1980s setting and parasite-outbreak premise to make *Lice* a standout entry in the 2027 horror slate.
