Viola Davis and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II are teaming up for a high-stakes psychological thriller, as the two powerhouse actors will star in and produce a reimagining of House of Games for Amazon MGM Studios. The project marks a fresh take on David Mamet’s 1987 directorial debut, bringing new life to a noir-infused story of deception, desire, and manipulation.
The original House of Games followed psychiatrist Margaret Ford, played by Lindsay Crouse, who becomes entangled in the dangerous underworld of gambling after trying to help a troubled patient, portrayed by Joe Mantegna. While details about the new iteration remain under wraps, the updated version is expected to offer a bold, character-driven reexamination of the film’s themes.
Davis will produce the project through her company JuVee Productions, alongside Julius Tennon and Melanie Clark, continuing the company’s mission to champion layered, inclusive storytelling. Abdul-Mateen II will produce through House Eleven10, his Oakland-rooted banner that centers human emotion and magical realism in entertainment.
Davis, an EGOT winner and one of the most decorated actors of her generation, recently received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2025 Golden Globes and will be inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame this summer. A fierce advocate for equity and education, she continues to lead philanthropic efforts through the Davis-Tennon Foundation, all while delivering critically acclaimed performances in projects like The Woman King, The First Lady, and the upcoming thriller Ally Clark, also in development at Amazon MGM Studios.
Abdul-Mateen II, known for his transformative roles in Watchmen, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Aquaman, and Candyman, is also set to headline Marvel’s Wonder Man series debuting this December on Disney+. He will also lead and executive produce Netflix’s upcoming series Man on Fire, while juggling a slate of projects including By Any Means, Emergency Contact, and The Scent of Burnt Flowers.
JuVee Productions has built a strong reputation for compelling storytelling across genres, with titles like Troop Zero, G20, and The Last Defense. House Eleven10 continues to grow its portfolio as well, with projects in development at FX, Amazon MGM Studios, and Sony Pictures Television, including the whistleblower drama I Helped Destroy People and the adaptation of Ghostman.
With Davis and Abdul-Mateen II at the helm, the reimagined House of Games is poised to deliver a new, gripping version of a cult classic—one that resonates with contemporary audiences while honoring the psychological complexity of the original.