Michelle Randolph is trading in the rugged landscapes of Taylor Sheridan’s empire for something far darker — and far more subterranean. The 1923 and Landman breakout is in talks to star in Malibu, a new horror thriller from Paranormal Activity 2 director Tod Williams, being developed at Screen Gems, as per THR. The film, which is being produced by horror heavyweights Roy Lee and Steven Schneider under their appropriately named Spooky Pictures banner, is being described as a “subterranean horror thriller.” Plot specifics are being held tightly under wraps — possibly in a basement with no windows — but production is set to begin later this year.
After gaining attention for her role as Liz Strafford in 1923 alongside Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, and Brandon Sklenar, Randolph quickly became a rising name in the Taylor Sheridan TV universe. Her next major role came in Landman, the modern-day oil drama on Paramount+ led by Billy Bob Thornton, where she plays Thornton’s vivacious and brash daughter. Landman was recently renewed for Season 2, keeping Randolph squarely in the Sheridan orbit — for now. But Malibu marks a major genre switch for her. It will be Randolph’s first foray into horror, though not her last: she’s also appearing in Scream 7, due out February 2026. Clearly, the scream queen résumé is already coming together. As long as she doesn’t say she’ll be right back.
Who Else Is Involved In ‘Malibu’?
For director Tod Williams, Malibu reunites him with Steven Schneider, with whom he worked on Paranormal Activity 2. That installment of the found-footage franchise became a major box office success and helped solidify Williams’ genre credentials, so he’s a solid candidate for this one. Schneider, meanwhile, has spent the last decade building a reputation as one of horror’s most consistent producers, with credits on Insidious, The Devil Inside, Split, and most recently Late Night with the Devil and Strange Darling.
While no logline has been released, the reference to the “subterranean horror subgenre” suggests Malibu may lean into claustrophobic terror — think The Descent, As Above, So Below, or even Barbarian. Given the talent involved, it’s likely to be a lean, high-concept thriller that blends psychological horror with visceral dread — the kind of stripped-down piece that lets rising stars shine and gets horror fans talking. And audience members with the cold sweats. Great.
via Collider