Paul Dano has joined the cast of Possession at Paramount Pictures, rounding out an ensemble that already includes Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner. Dano's specific character has not been disclosed.
Parker Finn, who wrote and directed both Smile films, is helming the project from his own script. The film reimagines Andrzej Zulawski's 1981 arthouse horror landmark as the story of a spy, his wife, and a pending divorce that spirals into disturbing territory. Finn has described the approach as "honoring the original and staying true to its absolute frenzied, manic ferocity."
The original Possession was shot in Cold War-era West Berlin and starred Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani. Adjani's performance earned her Best Actress at Cannes, and the film has retained a reputation as one of the more uncompromising works in arthouse horror.
Qualley and Turner are positioned to take on the central couple's roles. Robert Pattinson produces alongside Finn and Jonathan Fass through Bad Feeling. Roy Lee and Andrew Childs of Vertigo are also producing, with Marc Bienstock serving as executive producer.
Filming is set to begin this month. For Dano, the project marks his first time working in the horror genre.