Emile Hirsch, Justin Long, and Kevin Connolly’s Film ‘Lice’ Picked Up by Bob Yari’s Magenta Light Studios at Cannes

EXCLUSIVE: Magenta Light Studios, helmed by Bob Yari, has secured the North American theatrical rights to the horror-thriller Lice, which is set for a release in the first quarter of 2027.

This marks the feature directorial debut of Jonathan Bensimon. The film features a notable cast, including Emile Hirsch, Justin Long, and Kevin Connolly. Set against the backdrop of a deadly parasite outbreak at a Long Island high school in the 1980s, the narrative follows students whose growing paranoia leads to chaos during a military lockdown. Hirsch portrays Mr. Shanker, a disillusioned science teacher whose investigative journey into the outbreak provides him with renewed purpose, while Long plays Principal Van, who struggles to maintain control as the situation spirals. Connolly takes on the role of Detective Sikorski, a police officer racing to contain the crisis from the outside.

The film also features performances from Emilie Bierre, Joelle Farrow, Riley Davis, Tom Keat, Annamarie Kasper, Cooper Levy, Christian Meer, Gage Munroe, Devyn Nekoda, Sabrina Saudin, and Milton Torres Lara.

Connolly produces the film through ActionPark Productions, alongside Jeremy Alter. Bob Yari and David Spiegelman from Magenta Light Studios serve as executive producers, along with Eustace Montgomery Hicks. The screenplay was penned by Anthony Musella and Shaun Harris, known for The Hemingway Thief. International sales are being managed by Highland Film Group out of Cannes.

Bensimon expressed his vision for the film: “We always wanted Lice to feel like a visceral, throwback thrill ride—something pulpy, unsettling, and darkly funny all at once. Collaborating with this cast and creative team allowed us to push that tone in unexpected ways, balancing chaos with character. We also leaned into bold, tactile techniques to create a visual style that feels both nostalgic and immediate. I’m especially excited to be partnering with Magenta Light Studios to bring the film to theaters—it’s the perfect home for this kind of daring, cinematic experience, and I can’t wait for audiences to see it on the big screen.”

Yari also shared his enthusiasm, stating, “From the moment we read the script, Lice stood out as a bold, wildly original ride. Jonathan Bensimon has crafted a film that’s as smart as it is unsettling, blending dark humor, suspense, and real emotional stakes. With this incredible cast, we believe it’s going to be a truly memorable theatrical experience, and we’re excited to bring it to audiences nationwide.”