Kumail Nanjiani’s horror hit Howl lands at Orion Pictures

The world of horror just got a whole lot more howling, thanks to the exciting news surrounding actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani.

Nanjiani, known for his comedic genius, is making a dramatic leap into the directorial chair with his debut horror film, Howl>. This project immediately grabbed attention, largely because of his deep-rooted appreciation for genre cinema. While plot details remained secret for a while, the mystery has officially ended: Orion Pictures has secured the rights to bring this wild vision to the screen.

<Howl comes with a premise that is instantly attention-grabbing. The story centers on a famously troubled actor who faces a terrifying transformation—he will turn into a werewolf, all while live on television. This setup deftly plays on classic horror tropes and leaves audiences immediately questioning what they are witnessing.

The thematic echoes of the film also draw comparisons to iconic classics. There is a palpable link between <Howl and the ending of the 1981 cinematic masterpiece, The Howling>, suggesting a nod to the legacy of live television transformations.

Crafting this intense narrative was handled by screenwriter Madison Vanderberg, who has already made waves with her previous work, including a spot on the 2024 Black List>. Nanjiani’s process for finding this story was equally inspired. When discussing the project, he admitted that reading the script was the catalyst: “I don’t know if I know how to direct, but I think I know how to direct this movie,” he explained.

This creative confidence stems from a love of genre filmmaking. Nanjiani shared that his enthusiasm for horror wasn’t just a passing interest; it was an immersive experience. He cites filmmakers like Jordan Peele, Josh Ruben, and Zach Cregger as inspirations who successfully blend comedy with the scares, giving him the assurance needed to jump into directing.

This isn’t Nanjiani’s first foray into genre filmmaking. Over the years, he has built a remarkable portfolio spanning diverse projects, including appearances in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire>, Destroy All Neighbors>, and classic television series like The X-Files> and The Twilight Zone>. He has also contributed voice work for video games and is gearing up for more genre-bending projects, including the upcoming series Very Young Frankenstein>. Now, with <Howl, Nanjiani is channeling that extensive experience into a new, thrilling direction.