Zombie Horror THIS IS NOT A TEST Acquired For 2026 Release By Shudder And Independent Film Company
Olivia Holt stars in the pic based on Courtney Summers' YA horror novel.
Independent Film Company and Shudder have acquired rights to zombie horror This Is Not a Test from writer-director Adam MacDonald (Backcountry, Pyewacket), according to news today from Variety.
Based on a YA novel of the same name by New York Times best-selling author Courtney Summers, This Is Not a Test stars Heart Eyes‘ Olivia Holt as a young woman, Sloane, who, along with a small group of her classmates, takes cover in her high school to escape their suddenly apocalyptic hometown:
As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors, Sloane begins to see the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live and takes matters into her own hands.
Also starring in the outbreak horror are Froy Gutierrez (The Strangers: Chapter 1), Luke MacFarlane (Bros), Corteon Moore (Overcompensating), Chloe Avakian (John Wayne Gacy) and Carson MacCormac (Clown in a Cornfield).
Per Variety, the acquisition includes rights in the US, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, with Independent Film Company and Shudder releasing This Is Not a Test in theaters in 2026.
In a new statement, MacDonald had the following to say of the deal:
Courtney Summers’ book This Is Not a Test captivated me completely with its raw energy and dynamic characters, a story I felt personally and knew it had to be brought to the screen. I couldn’t be happier with Olivia Holt’s exceptional talent stepping into Sloane’s shoes (Docs) and bringing her to life. I’m beyond thrilled the film is in great hands and found a home with Independent Film Company and Shudder, a team that puts so much passion in the films they release […] Producer Cybill Lui and I brought together the very best creative team to realize this deeply emotional, gritty, intense film, one that puts you on the very edge of your seat and will leave you with hope at the end of the world.”
Independent Film Company’s Director of Acquisitions and Productions Adam Koehler adds:
“Adam MacDonald has an unmatched ability to elevate genre filmmaking with heart, intelligence, and raw human emotion. We’re thrilled to bring to a new generation of viewers who crave horror that hits both the gut and the soul.”
