Paramount shifts 'Molepeople' to Ben Wheatley

Paramount Primal and Blumhouse Atomic Monster have moved 'Molepeople' to a new director after two key personnel departed. The studio confirmed that Ben Wheatley will take the helm of the horror feature. This change follows the exit of Rob Savage, who stepped aside due to scheduling conflicts, and LaKeith Stanfield, who had previously been cast in a starring role.

Wheatley, a British filmmaker, replaces Savage who remains attached to the project as an executive producer. Ryan Turek, Tracy Rosenblum, and screenwriter Nathan Elston also serve as executive producers. The script by Elston centers on a man who descends into the abandoned tunnels beneath New York City to find a twisted society living below the streets.

The project was unveiled during the Blumhouse Atomic Monster presentation at New York Comic-Con earlier this month. Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Paramount Primal are co-financing and co-producing the picture. Paramount is set to handle worldwide distribution for the film.

The movie is currently scheduled for theatrical release on August 27, 2027. Jason Blum, head of Blumhouse Atomic Monster, will produce alongside J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules, who lead Paramount Primal, as well as James Harris. The production involves a co-financing structure between the two entities.

Wheatley is known for his work on the action thriller 'Normal,' which starred Bob Odenkirk and was written by Derek Kolstad. That film premiered at TIFF's Midnight Madness program before its April 2026 release. His previous credits include 'Kill List,' 'High-Rise,' and 'Meg 2: The Trench.' He is represented by WME, Independent Talent Group, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.