Malignant: Annabelle Wallis Teases James Wan’s ‘Genre-Bending’ Horror Film

August 14, 2020

In recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Annabelle Wallis (Peaky Blinders, Annabelle) was asked about what it was like to work with The Conjuring universe creator James Wan on his forthcoming new original horror film titled Malignant. Wallis excitedly opened up about the project by describing it as unique and genre-bending film that definitely amazed audiences when they finally get to see in theaters.

“I think we have something very special,” Wallis said. “I think it’s genre-bending. I think it’s so brave. It’s so original. I just haven’t read anything like it. And you know, again, I’m at a place in my life and my career where it’s time to be brave. It’s time to push. And James Wan, we worked together on Annabelle, which was the first time I ever came to America. And then, he watched The Loudest Voice, and he said he loved my work. So, he was like, “I wrote this part for you, Annabelle. Let’s collaborate.” I think I’ve found in him such a wonderful collaborator, and I know that we will continue working together for years to come. He’s kind, and he’s so good at what he does. And I think it’s really going to be something that audiences are pretty wowed by because it’s a real passion project for him. So, I’m very excited. Yeah, let’s see! That’s what good art and good cinema is. You kind of throw it out there, and then you don’t know how people are going to react. That’s the exciting thing, you know.

Originally scheduled for an August 14, 2020 release date, Malignant was moved by Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema to an indefinite date due to the ongoing pandemic. The film will be Wan’s first non-Conjuring horror collaboration with the two studios, and principal photography wrapped late last year.

Malignant will star Annabelle Wallis (Annabelle), Jake Abel (Supernatural), George Young (Containment), Maddie Hasson (Mr. Mercedes), Michole Briana White (Encino Man), Jacqueline McKenzie (Pine Gap) and McKenna Grace (Annabelle Comes Home).

The film, whose plot is being kept under wraps, is based on a story co-written by Wan and his fiance Ingrid Bisu, who starred in The Nun and recently got engaged to the 42-year-old Australian director. Wan will also produce the film through his Atomic Monster banner alongside Michael Clear. The film is being financed through Starlight Media and Midas Innovation, who will distribute in China as New Line handles the remaining distribution. Malignant seemingly has no relation to the James Wan penned graphic novel Malignant Man, previously set up as a feature film at Fox, though given the titles it’s not a stretch to imagine a connection.

DC Comics fans don’t have to fret, however, as Wan’s current plan is to move into pre-production on the sequel to last year’s critical and commercial smash Aquaman after production wraps on the horror project.