Sony lands John David Washington horror movie Mime from Nanny

The horror genre is buzzing with a fresh pairing, as Sony’s Screen Gems has scooped up a major new package centered around the captivating world of supernatural thrillers. Leading the charge is John David Washington, who is set to star in Mime>, an anticipated horror feature helmed by director Nikyatu Jusu.

Mime promises a cinematic experience steeped in tension and atmosphere. While the official synopsis remains under wraps, reports suggest the story unfolds against a stark backdrop: a sweltering New York City apartment complex plunged into darkness during a heat wave-induced blackout. This setting immediately conjures a sense of claustrophobia and suspense, perfectly priming the audience for the supernatural events to unfold.

The creative team behind the project is shaping up to be formidable. The screenplay was penned by Stephen Herman, who brought his original vision to life, while Washington is not only starring but also taking on a producing role alongside talents like Matt Tolmach, Camilla Grove, and director Scott Derrickson, who is involved through his Crooked Highway banner. Screen Gems has secured a first-look deal with Derrickson, adding another layer of pedigree to the production.

This project marks an exciting step for Nikyatu Jusu, an artist already carving out a significant path in horror filmmaking. Her feature debut, Nanny, achieved massive acclaim, becoming the first horror film to win the U.S. Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Since that triumph, Jusu has established herself as one of horror’s most prolific filmmakers.

Jusu has a rich history in genre exploration, having announced projects ranging from Suicide by Sunlight, an expansion of her acclaimed short work for Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, to the stalled pursuit of a sequel to Night of the Living Dead. Her ongoing work demonstrates a keen eye for complex, visceral storytelling that continues to captivate audiences.

With Mime in development, it appears poised to be Jusu’s long-awaited sophomore feature, building upon the success of her debut. Meanwhile, Washington enters the genre sphere with tremendous momentum. Known for high-concept action and prestige dramas such as Tenet, The Creator, and Amsterdam, his foray into horror signals a compelling shift in his cinematic palette.

Mime represents more than just a horror film; it is a convergence of powerful talent—Washington’s star power, Jusu’s directorial vision, and the high-stakes production environment of Screen Gems. As production moves toward its target spring start, anticipation is building for what promises to be an intensely original and intriguing genre event.