Ezra Claytan Daniels, known for his work on Doom Patrol and Night Sky, is set to write the screenplay for The People Under the Stairs remake. , a reboot of Wes Craven’s 1991 horror film. Monkeypaw Productions, led by Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld, will produce the movie under their Universal deal, with the project currently in early development.
READ: Two Untitled Movies Coming From Jordan Peele’s Monkey Paw Company — Peele to Direct One of Them
The original Universal Studios film, with Craven in both the writing and directing roles, tells the unsettling story of Fool, played by Brandon Adams, as he uncovers disturbing secrets within his family’s landlords’ home. The twisted scenario involves incestuous adult siblings mutilating boys and imprisoning them under stairs. As Fool attempts to escape, he encounters Alice, played by A.J. Langer, the spared daughter of the deranged parents, and together they strive to evade the psychopathic antagonists.
Although the original film did not break box office records, its impact grew over time, solidifying its status as a cult classic. The movie’s appeal lies in its unconventional narrative, eerie atmosphere, and the social commentary woven into its horror elements.
While the financial success of the original may have been modest, its lasting influence and cult classic status have contributed to the decision to reboot the film, bringing a new perspective under the creative direction of Ezra Claytan Daniels and the production prowess of Monkeypaw Productions, led by Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld.
Ezra Claytan Daniels, a multidisciplinary artist, recently contributed to Jordan Peele’s NYT Bestselling short story anthology, Out There Screaming. His graphic novels, Upgrade Soul and BTTM FDRS, earned Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Award nominations. Upgrade Soul is also in development as a film.
Jordan Peele, represented by CAA, and Monkeypaw Productions are behind the project. Peele, an Oscar-winning writer for Get Out, has a successful directorial canon, including Get Out, Us, and Nope, with a combined global box office gross of nearly $683M.
Monkeypaw Productions has two movies slated for 2024: an untitled horror thriller on Sept. 27 and Peele’s fourth feature directorial on Christmas Day.