Paul Dano to Star in Paramount’s Remake of 1981 Horror Thriller ‘Possession’

Paramount has cast Paul Dano in its remake of the 1981 supernatural thriller Possession, according to Deadline. Dano will star opposite Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley, though the studio has not publicly described the roles or how the remake will map characters from the original film.

Deadline reports that Parker Finn, who previously wrote and directed the Smile horror franchise, is writing and directing this new take on Possession. Finn announced his version for Paramount in 2024, positioning the project as part of his ongoing work in theatrical horror, where Smile became a notable mainstream success for the genre.

The report also indicates that the casting is still emerging, with character details held back. A release date and production timeline were not included in the Deadline report, and no additional creative or plot specifics were provided at the time of publication.

For the actors attached, the project represents a high-profile genre assignment at a major studio. Dano, Turner, and Qualley are each known for work across drama and genre, and Paramount’s casting suggests an attempt to bring a mix of established screen presence and broad audience recognition to the remake.

The original Possession, released in 1981, is a well-known entry in American supernatural horror, and remakes have often faced scrutiny over how they handle legacy material. In this case, Paramount and Finn have not publicly released details about whether the remake will follow the earlier film’s narrative structure or reinterpret key story elements.

As of Deadline’s June 30, 2026 reporting, Paramount has not provided a production schedule, official title styling, or distribution plan tied to the remake. Further announcements on casting, roles, and principal photography timing would be expected as the project moves through preproduction.