‘The Mortuary Collection’ Director Adapting ‘The Upturned Stone’

Acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Spindell and horror mainstay Cullen Bunn are officially attached to the feature film adaptation of Scott Hampton’s iconic graphic novel, The Upturned Stone, Dread Central learned.

Often cited as “the scariest comic ever written,” Spindell will write and direct, based on a screenplay written by Bunn and Hampton.

Set on Halloween 1969, the story follows “four boys whose lives are forever changed when they discover an abnormally large pumpkin. After baking it into a pie, the boys begin having chilling dreams that unravel the mystery of a ghost, a serial killer, and a supernatural quest for justice.”

From the press release, Ryan Spindell is an award-winning filmmaker known for his bold visual style, handcrafted monsters, and dark sense of humor. Spindell’s breakout feature film, The Mortuary Collection, premiered at Fantastic Fest and currently holds a 97% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Cullen Bunn is the New York Times bestselling writer behind acclaimed creator-owned titles including The Sixth Gun, Harrow County, Bone Parish, The Damned, and The Empty Man. Known for crafting psychologically layered characters and deeply mythic horror, Bunn has become one of the defining voices in modern genre comics.

The Upturned Stone is based on the acclaimed graphic novel by legendary artist and writer Scott Hampton. The project is being produced by director and producer Anky Cyriaque under Story-Is-King-Pictures.

Currently in active development, the film is already generating industry attention as the creative team moves toward pre-production. Casting discussions are underway, with additional announcements expected in the coming months.

“Ryan has such a distinct visual language and a real understanding of atmospheric horror,” said Producer Anky Cyriaque. “Pairing his filmmaking with Cullen and Scott’s storytelling creates something that feels elevated, unsettling, and deeply cinematic. We’re building a horror film that stays true to the DNA of the original graphic novel while pushing the genre forward.”