Wheatley Replaces Savage on Blumhouse Horror 'Molepeople'

Ben Wheatley has taken over as director on the upcoming horror film Molepeople, replacing Rob Savage who departed due to scheduling conflicts. Wheatley is known for his 2026 action thriller Normal, which starred Bob Odenkirk and was written by Derek Kolstad. Savage will remain attached to the project as an executive producer.

The casting change comes alongside the exit of actor LaKeith Stanfield, who had been previously announced as a lead. The production is being co-financed and co-produced by Paramount Primal and Blumhouse Atomic Monster, with Paramount handling worldwide distribution. The film is currently scheduled for theatrical release on August 27, 2027.

The project was first revealed during a presentation at New York Comic-Con earlier this month. The story is based on a script by Nathan Elston, who is also serving as an executive producer. The plot centers on a man who explores abandoned tunnels beneath New York City and discovers a twisted society living below the streets.

Executive producers for the film include Ryan Turek, Tracy Rosenblum, and Elston. The production team is led by Jason Blum, chief of Blumhouse Atomic Monster, along with J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules from Paramount Primal. James Harris is also listed as a producer.

Wheatley brings a mixed background of independent and studio filmmaking to the role. His earlier works include the 2009 debut Down Terrace and the 2011 film Kill List, which received six British Independent Film Award nominations. He has also directed the Warner Bros. film Meg 2: The Trench and the Netflix series Rebecca.

The director is currently represented by WME, Independent Talent Group, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole. His recent film Normal premiered in the Midnight Madness program at the Toronto International Film Festival before its April 2026 release.