LaKeith Stanfield Exits ‘Molepeople’ Horror Movie, Director Ben Wheatley Replaces Rob Savage

Ben Wheatley (“Normal”) is taking over directing duties for Paramount Primal and Blumhouse Atomic Monster‘s upcoming movie, “Molepeople.”

Rob Savage (“The Boogeyman, “Other Mommy”), who was set to helm the project, has departed due to scheduling conflicts, with previously announced star LaKeith Stanfield also exiting the film.

“Molepeople” was announced earlier this month during Blumhouse Atomic Monster’s New York Comic-Con presentation. Nathan Elston wrote the script for the horror movie about a man who descends into the abandoned tunnels beneath New York City, where he discovers a “twisted society lurking beneath the streets.” The film — co-financed and co-produced by Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Paramount Primal, with Paramount handling worldwide distribution — is set for theatrical release on Aug. 27, 2027.

Producers include Blumhouse Atomic Monster chief Jason Blum; Paramount Primal heads J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules; and James Harris. Savage will remain on board as an executive producer, alongside Ryan Turek, Tracy Rosenblum and Elston.

British filmmaker Wheatley has built a reputation for bold, original storytelling. His most recent film, the action thriller “Normal,” starred Bob Odenkirk and was written by “John Wick” creator Derek Kolstad. The movie premiered at TIFF’s Midnight Madness program ahead of an April 2026 theatrical release. Wheatley made his feature debut in 2009 with “Down Terrace,” followed by 2011’s “Kill List,” which earned six British Independent Film Award nominations, including best director and best screenplay.

Since then, Wheatley has built a resume that spans indie films (“High-Rise,” starring Tom Hiddleston; “Free Fire,” executive produced by Martin Scorsese; the experimental feature “Bulk”) and major studio productions (Warner Bros.’ “Meg 2: The Trench,” starring Jason Statham; Netflix’s “Rebecca”). He is represented by WME, Independent Talent Group, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.