Bill Hader Steps into Feature Directing with New Horror Film ‘They Know’
In a significant return to filmmaking, Bill Hader, known for his Emmy-winning HBO series Barry, has announced plans to write, direct, and star in a new horror film titled They Know. Production is set to commence this spring in Los Angeles under the banner of MRC.
The film revolves around a divorced father, portrayed by Hader, who becomes suspicious that his ex-wife is dating a mysterious man exerting a strange influence on their children. This project marks Hader’s entry into the horror genre, aligning him with notable figures such as Jordan Peele and Zach Cregger, who have successfully transitioned from comedy to horror.
They Know is based on an original story crafted by Hader and his Barry collaborator Duffy Boudreau. Hader and Bob Graf will produce the film through Hader’s Hanarply production company, with Alyssa Donovan serving as co-producer.
Hader’s previous work on Barry, a tragicomedy about a hitman attempting to shift to an acting career, earned him multiple accolades, including three Directors Guild of America Awards and several Emmy and Critics Choice Awards. Co-created with Alec Berg, Hader not only starred in the series but also took on roles as co-showrunner, executive producer, and director. His acting repertoire also includes roles in Trainwreck, Superbad, and The Skeleton Twins. He is set to appear next in Warner Bros. Pictures Animation’s The Cat in the Hat, which releases on November 6.
MRC, the studio financing They Know, recently celebrated success with Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, which has grossed over $92 million worldwide within its first week. The studio’s upcoming projects include The Only Living Pickpocket in New York and The Gallerist, which premiered at Sundance, alongside A Place in Hell, The Best Is Yet to Come, Unabomber, and Eloise.
Hader is represented by UTA and Felker Toczek Suddleson, while Boudreau, who has received three Emmy nominations, is represented by UTA and TroyGould. Nexus Point News first reported the development of They Know.
