Full Breakdown
Lily James to Lead Amazon MGM Horror Film “Seasons”
6/23/2026, 4:45:33 AM
Core Event: Lily James Cast in Amazon MGM’s Horror Project “Seasons”
Lily James is set to star in “Seasons”, a horror film directed by Drew Hancock for Amazon MGM. The project adapts a viral horror short story by Matt and Harrison Query that first appeared on Reddit before being expanded into a full-length novel. The narrative follows a married couple who purchase a ranch only to discover the land is inhabited by ancient spirits, forcing them to perform increasingly disturbing seasonal rituals. Hancock, who previously directed New Line’s “Companion”, writes and directs the screenplay.
Background & Context: From Reddit Short to Full-Length Novel
The source material for “Seasons” began as a short story posted on Reddit that quickly gained viral attention, prompting its author duo Matt and Harrison Query to develop a novel adaptation. This pathway illustrates a broader industry pattern of sourcing horror concepts from online communities and converting them into mainstream film projects. The film also represents the third collaboration between 21 Laps Entertainment and Atomic Monster, following the commercial success of the horror film “Backrooms”, the highest-grossing A24 release worldwide.
Key Figures & Groups: Talent and Production Team
Director Drew Hancock, known for his previous work on New Line’s “Companion”, writes and directs “Seasons”. Production is overseen by Shawn Levy and Dan Levine of 21 Laps, Jason Blum and Michael Clear of Atomic Monster, Scott Glassgold of 12:01 Films, and Dan Cohen. Lily James, an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice nominee, brings recent experience from portraying Whitney Wolfe Herd in Hulu’s “Swiped”, starring opposite Riz Ahmed in the thriller “Relay”, and appearing in “Pam & Tommy”. Her upcoming slate includes the submarine actioner “Subversion”, the psychological drama “Harmonia”, Takashi Miike’s “Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo”, and a reboot of “Cliffhanger”, which she also produces.
Data & Statistics: Collaboration Metrics and Box-Office Benchmarks
- This film is the third joint venture between 21 Laps and Atomic Monster.
- Their prior collaboration, “Backrooms”, achieved the status of the highest-grossing A24 release worldwide.
Why It Matters / Impact: Implications for Amazon MGM and the Horror Genre
“Seasons” expands Amazon MGM’s horror portfolio, leveraging the partnership between 21 Laps and Atomic Monster. The film adapts a story that originated on Reddit and was later expanded into a novel, reflecting a trend of internet-originated content entering mainstream cinema. For Lily James, the role adds a horror lead to a career that includes biographical drama and thriller work.
What’s Next: Distribution Plans and Future Projects
While the exact release window for “Seasons” has not been disclosed, the film is slated for future distribution on Amazon MGM. Lily James’s subsequent commitments include “Subversion”, “Harmonia”, “Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo”, and the “Cliffhanger” reboot, indicating a continued presence in high-profile genre projects.
