After not speaking for 13 years, Lee Daniels has publicly apologized to Mo’Nique as well as added her to his latest film, Demon House. She will replace Octavia Spencer in the exorcism project that Netflix acquired for $65 million.
Spencer was originally starring in the star-studded film but had to bow out due to scheduling conflict with her Apple TV+ show Truth Be Told. Now Mo’Nique will star in film, joining previously cast Aunjanue Ellis, Caleb McLoughlin, Andra Day, Rob Morgan and Glenn Close.
Daniels is directing Demon House which is based on the true story of Latoya Ammons and penning writing the screenplay with David Coggeshall and Elijah Bynum.
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The case, which was widely known at the time, involves Latoya Ammons and her three children who experienced strange incidents in their Gary, Indiana, home. The incidents grew progressively worse, with the children levitating, becoming violent with one another and speaking in growls and deep voices with no recollection afterward. Despite skepticism, the Gary Police Department, Department of Child Services and the local church and hospital all became involved, filing reports that took the supernatural occurrences seriously. Officers, doctors and social workers said they witnessed many of the incidents, including one in which her 9-year old son walked backward up a wall. The Indianapolis Star covered it closely as the Department of Child Services investigated it.
Day will reportedly play an Indiana mother whose child allegedly becomes demonically possessed. McLaughlin will Day’s character’s son, at an older age. Close will play Day’s character’s mother.
Morgan will play the boyfriend of Day’s character, and Spencer plays the clergy member who tries to help Day’s character navigate through the hauntings and the exorcisms.
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Daniels will serve as a producer with Pam Williams through his company Lee Daniels Entertainment, Tucker Tooley and Pam Williams are producing. The movie is expected to begin production sometime in 2022.