Full Breakdown
Paramount Primal Acquires Medieval Fantasy Script “Tower Defense”
8/14/2026, 4:32:33 AM
Acquisition Details
Paramount Primal, the genre-focused label launched by producers J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules, has purchased the spec script Tower Defense. The screenplay, written by veteran adventure writer Evan Daugherty, is described as a medieval and supernatural fantasy that reimagines the siege premise of John Carpenter’s 1976 film *Assault on Precinct 13*. The project is slated as an R-rated feature and, as of now, has no attached director or producer. Louis Winters is overseeing the development for Paramount Primal.
Paramount Primal’s Emerging Slate
Since its formation in late 2025, Paramount Primal has been building a genre-centric lineup. Its first feature, the comedy *Boys for Life*, entered production for a release dated April 9, 2027. Earlier in the year the label acquired an original erotic-thriller spec titled *Sweet Spot* and secured domestic screen rights to Wes Craven’s original *A Nightmare on Elm Street* script. The addition of *Tower Defense* expands the label’s focus on high-concept, budget-friendly fantasy and horror properties.
Evan Daugherty’s Track Record
Evan Daugherty’s recent credits include the action-fantasy *Snow White and the Huntsman* (Universal), which earned nearly $400 million worldwide, the YA adaptation *Divergent* (Lionsgate), the live-action/CG hybrid *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* (Paramount), and the *Tomb Raider* reboot starring Alicia Vikander (MGM/Warner Bros.). Collectively, his films have generated more than $1.5 billion in global box-office revenue. Daugherty is represented by Verve, Alibi Entertainment, and McKuin Frankel.
Industry Context
The continued box-office success of mythic epics such as *The Odyssey* underscores Hollywood’s appetite for sword-and-sorcery fare. By positioning *Tower Defense* as a medieval twist on a classic siege narrative, Paramount Primal aims to tap both the fantasy market and the proven tension-driven structure of *Assault on Precinct 13*. The label’s strategy of acquiring spec scripts with strong genre hooks—while keeping budgets modest—reflects a broader industry trend toward low-risk, high-concept projects that can deliver solid returns in a competitive streaming landscape.
