Adam Scottis set to lead the cast of the upcoming supernatural horror filmHokum, directed byOddityfilmmaker Damian McCarthy. TheSeverancestar joins an ensemble cast that includes Peter Coonan (Bad Sisters) and David Wilmot (Bodkin). The project marks the latest collaboration between Image Nation and Spooky Pictures, following their success withLate Night With the Devil(2023) and theMaika Monroe-ledWatcher(2022).
According toVariety,Scott will portray a horror novelist who travels to a remote Irish inn to spread his parents' ashes, only to find himself entangled in the eerie legend of a resident witch. Scott has steadily built his horror credentials over the years, beginning in 1996 withHellraiser: Bloodline. His recent acclaimed work in the psychological thrillerSeverancefurther cements his ability to navigate chilling narratives. Executive producer Steven Schneider expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating:
With Damian McCarthy’s fresh and unique approach behind the camera and the amazing Adam Scott bringing his talent to the lead role,‘Hokum’ is shaping up to be something truly special. It’s always a pleasure working with the team at Image Nation Abu Dhabi — they share our passion for bold, boundary-pushing storytelling. We can’t wait for audiences everywhere to experience what we’ve created together.
What Adam Scott’s Role In Hokum Means
A Spine-Chilling Collaboration Is In the Making
Scott has previously starred in horror films likeKrampus,Little Evil, andPiranha 3D. More recently, he has gained critical acclaim forhis role in Apple TV+’s psychological thrillerSeverance, which recently premiered season 2. His portrayal of Mark, an everyman navigating the unsettling world of the Lumon Industry’s severed floor, has garnered multiple award nominations and remains a standout of the hit series. With his proven ability to deliver intense and suspenseful performances,Hokumfeels like a natural next step in Scott’s expanding horror repertoire.
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McCarthy is best known for crafting low-budget psychological horror films that masterfully build tension and deliver spine-chilling scares. His most recent film,Oddity(2024), received widespread critical acclaim and currently holds an impressive96% critics scoreonRotten Tomatoes. WithHokum, McCarthy looks set to continue his streak of delivering chilling, edge-of-your-seat experiences.ScreenRant’s Mae Abdulbakipraised the film in her review,awardingthe paranormal thriller a score of 8 out 10, writing “the horror film is so good at making us feel like we’re holding our breath the entire time, only releasing it when the credits roll.”
A Promising New Nightmare For Horror Fans
Image via Apple TV+
With Scott leading the way and McCarthy at the helm,Hokumhas all the makings of a horror hit. Scott’s knack for balancing charm and tension should make his role as the horror novelist both relatable and compelling, while McCarthy’s ability to craft eerie, slow-burning horror ensures a deeply unsettling story is set to unfold. The film is also backed by genre heavyweights, including Spooky Pictures founders Roy Lee (Barbarian) and Steven Schneider (Strange Darling). Considering its creative team and talented ensemble,Hokumcould be one of the most buzzworthy horror films of the year.
