Shudder Acquires ‘The Mortuary Assistant’ Video Game Adaptation

During a Comic-Con panel today, titled “The Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror,” Shudder announced its acquisition of The Mortuary Assistant, a feature adaptation of the bestselling horror video game from creator Brian Clarke, on which we reported exclusively earlier this year.

The film, starring Willa Holland (Arrow) and Paul Sparks (Boardwalk Empire), will be released in 2026.

The Mortuary Assistant follows newly certified mortician Rebecca Owens (Holland), who takes a job at the River Field Mortuary and is tasked with embalming bodies alone on the night shift, but something sinister lurks beneath the surface. Over the course of the story, she must navigate demonic rituals, unravel the secrets of her enigmatic mentor (Sparks), and confront her own buried traumas to survive the night — and prevent her body from becoming a vessel for possession.

Originally released on PC in 2022, the game broke out as a viral sensation and cult favorite, and was made available on additional gaming platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The film will expand on the game’s world and mythology and delve deeper into the lore of the demonic entities plaguing River Fields.

“We’ve been admirers of THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT since its original release, captivated by its atmosphere and psychological intensity,” said Adam Koehler, Director of Acquisitions and Productions for Independent Film Company and Shudder. “Under the direction of a filmmaker with a remarkable command of tone and suspense, the film expands on the game’s terrifying world in a way that feels both faithful and deeply cinematic. We’re beyond excited to bring this chilling experience to Shudder.”

Jeremiah Kipp (Slapface) directed the film from a script by Tracee Beebe (Dog Years) and Clarke. The Mortuary Assistant is produced by Patrick Ewald’s Epic Pictures via its horror outfit, Dread, and its video game division, DreadXP, alongside Cole Payne’s Traverse Media. The deal was negotiated by Koehler and Emily Gotto on behalf of Shudder and Patrick Ewald for Epic Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers.