THE APEX TIMES
Sony Screen Gems acquires horror package “Mime” starring John David Washington, directed by Nikyatu Jusu
The studio is reportedly set to develop “Mime,” a supernatural horror feature produced by Matt Tolmach and Scott Derrickson, with Jusu (Nanny) directing and Washington starring.
Sony Screen Gems has won the right to develop the supernatural horror package “Mime,” a Deadline report said on Aug. 6, beating out competition that included Amazon and Searchlight. The project is set to star John David Washington and mark a directorial role for Nikyatu Jusu, whose Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning film “Nanny” brought her to prominence in the horror space, according to the report.
Deadline said the studio acquisition is not yet accompanied by an official logline, and it characterized the story as taking place in a New York City apartment complex. The report described the premise as unfolding “in the middle of” an unspecified situation, with additional plot details not publicly confirmed as of the publication of the report.
Nikyatu Jusu is attached to direct “Mime,” and Matt Tolmach and Scott Derrickson are named as producers. Tolmach has produced across major commercial franchises and studio releases, while Derrickson is known for genre work, and Deadline framed their involvement as part of the package that drove Sony’s interest, though no finalized creative team beyond those attachments was cited in the report.
The report also provided context for Jusu’s casting in the project, noting her prior recognition for “Nanny.” It did not specify whether “Mime” will be an original screenplay or an adaptation, nor did it name a screenwriter or outline any development timeline such as casting beyond Washington or a start date for principal photography.
For now, “Mime” appears to be in the early development stage following Sony Screen Gems’ reported win of the package. The deal indicates continued studio investment in high-profile horror concepts that can draw both mainstream audiences and genre fans, particularly when paired with major on-screen talent and a director with a recent award-winning track record.
The next steps for the project, based on the way studio package deals typically move, would be formalizing the creative attachments, releasing an official synopsis if one is approved, and then moving into casting expansion and script development. However, as of Aug. 6, Deadline did not cite an official announcement from Sony Screen Gems that would confirm the full terms, schedule, or studio production plan.
Why It Matters
- A major studio package win like this can shape what gets fast-tracked in development, especially for genre films with attached talent.
- If “Mime” proceeds as described, it would add to the current slate of supernatural horror projects anchored by award-recognized creative leadership.
- John David Washington’s starring attachment, paired with Jusu’s directing profile, highlights how studios are targeting projects that can cross mainstream visibility with genre credibility.
- The absence of an official logline as of Aug. 6 suggests further creative negotiations and script development are likely before the project is more broadly marketed.
Key Facts
- Deadline reported on Aug. 6 that Sony Screen Gems won the horror package “Mime.”
- The film is described as supernatural horror and is set to star John David Washington.
- Nikyatu Jusu, director of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner “Nanny,” is attached to direct.
- Producers attached to “Mime” include Matt Tolmach and Scott Derrickson.
- Deadline said there was no official logline at the time of reporting, and it described the setting as a New York City apartment complex.
- The Deadline report said Sony beat out competition including Amazon and Searchlight.