That was quick. Ben Wheatley has replaced Rob Savage on the subterranean horror flick ‘Molepeople’, with LaKeith Stanfield also leaving.
In Hollywood, no film is ever certain until it’s released and in theaters. Chalk Molepeople up as another facing a rocky start.
Just two weeks ago, we reported that Rob Savage (Other Mommy) would direct the subterranean horror film after the news was announced during Blumfest. We also learned that LaKeith Stanfield (pictured above in Get Out) and Ben Mendelsohn were set to star.
Now, Variety reports that not only has Stanfield exited the film, but Savage has been replaced by Ben Wheatley (Kill List).
The outlet notes that Savage left due to scheduling conflicts.
As far as we know, nothing else has changed at this time.
The logline previously revealed for Molepeople reads: A man descends into the abandoned tunnels beneath New York City, where he discovers a twisted society lurking beneath the streets.
Nathan Elston penned the script.
Said Savage during Blumfest, “It’s gonna scare the living shit out of you,” adding that the film is “In the vein of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes.“
Stanfield added, “With Molepeople I found something engaging, action-packed, fun…it’s going to be something unlike anything I’ve ever done.“
Now that neither is on the project, hopefully Savage and Stanfield’s sentiments remain the same…that we’re about to get one scary monster movie.
Personally? I’d rather see Wheatley’s version of this film, anyway. I haven’t been all that impressed with Savage’s work ever since he broke out with Host (a film I love). Wheatley, however, has a somewhat better track record of delivering good frights. Both Kill List and his eco-horror flick In the Earth are excellent. I can’t say the same about or , but hey, no one bats one thousand. Wheatley also recently directed starring Bob Odenkirk.
