Gabrielle Union to Star in Paranormal Psychological Thriller ‘Perdita’

Gabrielle Union (Bring It On, Bad Boys II) has signed on to star in the paranormal psychological thriller Perdita, Deadline reports.

Inspired by Henry James’ short story The Romance of Certain Old Clothes, Megan Raney Aarons will make her feature directorial debut from a script by Matthew Hurt.

Union will play Pearl, a rootless loner and remote island park ranger who walks out on her job and workplace lover after a strange encounter with an apparition throws her sanity into question.

When she discovers she’s been bequeathed a derelict house in Detroit, Pearl becomes hellbent on solving this seemingly random mystery — only to find herself fighting for both her life and her grasp on reality, as she confronts forces who want her to see she’s not alone.

Perdita is set to begin production in Ontario, Canada, in March.

Grainy Pictures’s Colin K. Gray, Jake Horowitz, and Larissa Primeau are producing along with Inner Media Capital’s Daniel Sheldon and Chad Oliver.

“Blending a story set in 2009 against a Civil Rights-era ’60s backdrop, Perdita is deeply personal as an homage to the activism of my parents and my godmother – the first African-American woman ordained in her denomination,” said Aarons. “As a thrilling piece of entertainment, it’s also a quiet commentary on today’s political landscape.”

Aarons continues, “I’m honored that such a dedicated, talented and accomplished team of creatives share my passion for this picture, and I’m beyond excited that Gabrielle is breathing life into Pearl. I can’t wait for audiences to cross this haunting Rust Belt threshold with us.”

First published in 1868, The Romance of Certain Old Clothes was one several James works that served as the basis for “The Haunting of Bly Manor.”

Union can next be seen in the horror-comedy Forbidden Fruits, premiering at SXSW in March.