The buzz is building for the upcoming feature film Forbidden Fruits, a dark and enchanting tale set to premiere in 2026. Backed by IFC and Shudder, this atmospheric witchcraft-themed movie promises to deliver a compelling blend of horror, sisterhood, and supernatural intrigue.
Directed by Meredith Alloway, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Lily Houghton, Forbidden Fruits has already generated excitement with the release of its first-look trailer. Adding to the film’s prestige is Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody (“Juno”), who is onboard as one of the producers. Cody’s track record with high-concept, female-driven horror projects—including the cult hit Jennifer’s Body (which is reportedly in development for a sequel) and Lisa Frankenstein—suggests that Forbidden Fruits will be both provocative and fiercely feminist.
The film boasts an impressive cast led by rising stars and familiar faces alike. Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Chamberlain, and Gabrielle Union (“The Inspection,” “Rif Raff”) headline a diverse ensemble that promises to bring depth and dynamism to this eerie story.
According to IFC, the film’s plot centers on Apple, a dedicated employee at the fictional mall chain Free Eden, who secretly runs a clandestine witchy femme cult in the basement of her workplace after hours. Alongside fellow cult members Cherry and Fig, Apple navigates the perilous waters of sisterhood and supernatural power. However, when a new hire named Pumpkin challenges their performative unity, the women are forced to confront their own inner demons—or face a bloody demise. The narrative promises a blend of suspense, dark humor, and feminist themes.
Beyond Diablo Cody, the production team includes notable producers Mason Novick, Trent Hubbard, and Mary Anne Waterhouse, all committed to bringing this dark fantasy to life.
An intriguing sidebar involves Alexandra Shipp, who many remember for her role as a young Storm in X-Men: Apocalypse. Shipp is also part of the cast of Kung Fury 2, a long-anticipated buddy cop satire directed by David Sandberg, featuring Michael Fassbender and Arnold Schwarzenegger in an absurd, action-packed romp. Unfortunately, the film has been caught in limbo due to financial complications involving Chinese investors, and despite a leak of footage online, its release remains uncertain. This controversy underscores some of the challenges faced by modern genre filmmaking, even for talented actors like Shipp.
As Forbidden Fruits gears up for its 2026 debut, anticipation continues to grow among horror fans and cinephiles eager for a fresh take on witchcraft and female-centric horror narratives. With a compelling cast, a visionary director, and a powerhouse of creative talent behind it, the film is poised to make a significant impact when it finally arrives on screens.
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