Full Breakdown
Julius Avery Takes the Helm of Snake Thriller “Crush” for 20th Century Studios
7/17/2026, 12:19:06 AM
New Directorial Assignment
Australian genre filmmaker Julius Avery, known for *Overlord* and *The Pope’s Exorcist*, has been hired to direct *Crush*, a snake-themed survival thriller slated for 20th Century Studios. The film follows a woman hiking alone in the Everglades who awakens to find herself ensnared by a massive python, forced to battle for each breath. The story is described as “inspired by true events and told primarily in real time.”
From Spec Script to Studio Deal
The project originated as a spec script written in the free time of Temple Hill Entertainment executive John Fischer. Fischer posted the screenplay on the Black List under the pseudonym J.W. Archer, prompting rapid interest from representatives eager to acquire it. After a multi-studio bidding war, 20th Century Studios secured the rights last fall. Temple Hill has remained actively involved, with Fischer’s bosses offering both creative support and production participation.
Principal Players
- Julius Avery – Director; previously debuted with *Son of a Gun* (A24) and later directed *Overlord* (Paramount/Bad Robot), *Samaritan* (Amazon/UA), and *The Pope’s Exorcist* (Screen Gems). Represented by WME, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer.
- John Fischer – EVP Development and Production, Temple Hill Entertainment; writer of *Crush* (Black List pseudonym J.W. Archer).
- Scott Glassgold – Producer for 12:01 Films, joining Temple Hill as a co-producer.
- J.R. Young – Oversees the project for 20th Century Studios.
Official Statements
Fischer explained his initial hesitation:
> “I felt self-conscious when first approaching my Temple Hill bosses to inform them about the script and the traction it was gaining.” — John Fischer, EVP Development and Production, Temple Hill Entertainment
He added that the studio’s leadership “has supported him in expanding creatively… not only giving their blessing but getting actively involved as producers on the project.”
Why It Matters
*Crush* represents the first major development on the spec script since its acquisition, signaling 20th Century Studios’ continued investment in high-concept survival thrillers. Avery’s track record with genre-blending projects suggests the film could blend visceral horror with real-time tension, potentially positioning it as a notable entry in the 2026 thriller slate.
