Psychological thriller Hyena, one of the final projects supported by late legendary filmmaker David Lynch as an executive producer, is gearing up for production in early 2027, with a fresh lineup of cast members announced.
Industry and Longlegs star Kiernan Shipka and Emmy-nominated actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai have been tapped to lead the film. They will be joined by César Award winner and Golden Globe nominee Edgar Ramírez, alongside Independent Spirit Award nominee Rosemarie DeWitt. Shipka and Woon-A-Tai replace previously announced leads Archie Madekwe and Havana Rose Liu.
Directed by Scott Coffey, who co-wrote the screenplay with novelist Blair Mastbaum, Hyena is scheduled to begin filming in Spokane, Washington, in the first quarter of 2027.
The story follows Genevieve (Shipka), who brings her mysterious new boyfriend, Alexei (Woon-A-Tai), home to meet her seemingly perfect family. However, what begins as a seemingly warm family welcome soon takes a disturbing turn as Alexei gradually ingratiates himself with each member, exposing their deeply buried secrets, hidden desires and personal hypocrisies.
As tensions escalate and the family’s carefully maintained image begins to crumble, Genevieve becomes the only person who recognizes Alexei’s true nature. With her family on the verge of destruction, she faces an unimaginable sacrifice to save what remains.
The project also holds special significance as one of the final films associated with Lynch, who passed away in January 2025. Coffey previously appeared as Wilkins in Lynch’s acclaimed film Mulholland Drive. The two filmmakers developed a close relationship following their collaboration, with Lynch becoming a mentor to Coffey and taking an active interest in the early development of Hyena.
Lynch is credited as an executive producer, alongside Oscar-nominated producer David Lancaster, known for acclaimed films including Whiplash and Nightcrawler. Lancaster will also produce the project alongside Jeff Elliott (Canary Black).
Speaking about the film and its themes, Coffey described Hyena as a deeply personal project that explores the darker side of human relationships.
“Hyena is a very personal film. I’ve always believed the most unsettling horror isn’t supernatural — it’s the moment grief and love turn feral, when we stop pretending we aren’t wild. Kiernan Shipka, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Edgar Ramírez, and Rosemarie DeWitt will bring extraordinary depth, intelligence, and vulnerability to the movie,” Coffey said.
Coffey’s previous directorial credits include Ellie Parker and Adult World. With its unsettling psychological premise and Lynch’s creative involvement, Hyena is shaping up to be a notable addition to the psychological thriller genre.
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