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'The Black Phone' director Scott Derrickson is teaming up with filmmaker Maggie Levin—his creative partner and wife—for a chilling new project: an adaptation of Clay McLeod Chapman's acclaimed horror novel 'Ghost Eaters'. The film is currently in early development under Screen Gems, which holds a first-look deal with Derrickson’s production company, Crooked Highway.
Maggie Levin is set to both write and direct the adaptation, while Derrickson, along with longtime collaborator C. Robert Cargill and producer Vince Cheng, will develop and produce the project under the Crooked Highway banner.
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Image Courtesy: Getty
What is 'Ghost Eaters' About?
Published in 2022, 'Ghost Eaters' explores a terrifying blend of supernatural horror and emotional trauma. The story centres on a group of friends who experiment with a mysterious drug called “Ghost,” which allows them to see the dead. But the consequences are far more dangerous than they could have imagined—once someone takes the drug, there’s no turning back. The novel offers a powerful descent into themes of grief, addiction, and the blurred boundaries between life and death.
The book earned widespread acclaim upon release, making several “best of” lists, including Vulture, Paste, Book Riot, and CrimeReads for top horror novels of 2022. It was also a Library Reads pick for September 2022 and recognised as an Indie Next pick the following month.
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Image Courtesy: Getty
Who is Clay McLeod Chapman?
Author Clay McLeod Chapman has built a strong reputation in the horror genre, having received nominations for both the Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Awards. His notable works include 'Whisper Down the Lane', 'What Kind of Mother', and 'Wake Up and Open Your Eyes'. He recently secured a three-book deal with Tor Nightfire, beginning with 'Mr. Lonelyhearts, set for a 2027 release. In addition to novels, Chapman has worked extensively in comics and film.
Levin brings a strong horror pedigree to the project. She previously directed 'My Valentine', a feature-length entry in Hulu and Blumhouse’s anthology series 'Into the Dark', and also contributed an original segment to 'V/H/S/99', which premiered at TIFF and was later acquired by Shudder. Levin also served as second unit director on Derrickson’s Apple TV+ hit 'The Gorge' as well as 'The Black Phone' and its upcoming sequel, 'Black Phone 2', which hits theatres this October.
With a compelling story, proven creative talent, and a passionate fan base, 'Ghost Eaters' is poised to be a major addition to the horror genre when it hits the big screen.
