Emma Roberts to Lead Horror Film ‘A Body In The Woods’

Emma Roberts, known for her roles in American Horror Story and Scream 4, will headline the upcoming horror film A Body In The Woods. The film is produced by Dave Caplan, recognized for his work on Longlegs and The Monkey. This project marks the debut feature from Manifest Pictures, a new sales company established by Yvette Zhuang and Zach Glueck. Pre-sales for the film are set to begin during the European Film Market taking place in Berlin this week.

In A Body In The Woods, Roberts portrays Alice Lincoln, a woman living in the late 19th century within the enigmatic Marshall Woods, a location steeped in folklore about a malevolent witch. The plot revolves around Alice’s solitary vigil over the body of an unidentified mine worker at her remote cabin. As unsettling events unfold during the night, Alice begins to suspect that the corpse may not be at rest. The appearance of a mysterious woman at the edge of the forest pushes Alice into a terrifying confrontation with both internal and external horrors.

Production for this chilling tale, described as “nightmarish folklore,” is scheduled to commence in September 2024. The film is written and directed by Stephen Cognetti, the creator of the renowned Hell House franchise. Financing will be handled by Caplan’s C2 Motion Picture Group.

Caplan expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Stephen has consistently proven he can create terrifying, elevated immersive horror experiences. With Emma in the lead, A Body In The Woods is an undeniable package.”

Cognetti praised Roberts, saying, “Emma brings an intelligence and emotional fearlessness that elevates everything she touches. She understands horror on a cellular level—how to balance vulnerability, strength, and terror.” He added that his ambition for A Body In The Woods is to craft a horror film that challenges not only the lead character but also the audience, leaving them questioning their experience and feeling as though they have survived something profound.

The team at Manifest Pictures expressed their honor in collaborating with a producer of Caplan’s caliber and a director known for captivating global audiences.

Emma Roberts has an impressive portfolio, including roles in Holidate, Scream Queens, and the box office success We’re the Millers. Additionally, she serves as a co-producer on the Hulu series Tell Me Lies. Roberts is represented by Sweeney Entertainment, while Cognetti is represented by Anonymous Content.

As anticipation builds for A Body In The Woods, industry insiders will be keenly watching the film’s development and its potential impact on the horror genre.