Dealing with the dead isn’t for the faint of heart — especially if they don’t like to stay that way. Deadline has released the first trailer for Epic Pictures’ adaptation of The Mortuary Assistant, based on the popular video game of the same name, bringing the first-person of demon possession to life ahead of its theatrical release.
Willa Holland stars as the game’s POV character and protagonist Rebecca Owens, a newly certified mortician who’s taken a night shift at a mortuary — which would already be an unsettling prospect, even if the building weren’t haunted by demonic spirits. Put through a disturbing set of events, Rebecca slowly uncovers just why the mortuary is haunted, and must fight against being possessed herself before it’s too late.
Directed by Jeremiah Kipp, The Mortuary Assistant also stars Paul Sparks, with a script written by Tacee Beebe and original game creator Brian Clarke, who also executive produces the film. Other producers include Katie Page, Yulissa Morales, Randy Sinquefield, Patrick Fischer, and Oliver Garboe, with Patrick Ewald producing via Epic Pictures.
“Seeing The Mortuary Assistant make the leap from game to film is incredibly rewarding,” Brian Clarke, writer and the game creator, said in a statement. “Fans of the game will finally witness the world they’ve explored come alive, while genre film audiences will discover a story filled with tension, dark secrets, and unforgettable scares. It’s a unique crossover that bridges two communities of horror fans in a way I’ve always imagined.”
Deadline also revealed that the film will stream on Shudder just a month after its theatrical release, beginning on March 27. The film joins a hearty lineup of projects set to hit the horror streamer this year, including the Adams Family’s Mother of Flies, Beast of War, and more.
The Mortuary Assistant hits theaters on February 13.
