Halsey Teams Up with Avan Jogia and Lilly Wachowski for New Psycho-Sexual Horror Film ‘Replacer’ at Cannes Market
U.S. pop star and emerging actress Halsey is set to star in the upcoming film Replacer, a "psycho-sexual horror" that she co-wrote alongside actor-director Avan Jogia, who will also direct the project. Lilly Wachowski serves as executive producer.
The film’s synopsis reveals the story of Proxy, portrayed by Halsey, a troubled DJ stranded in Montreal. She encounters an intriguing artist and his circle, who operate an underground radio station. Troubling signals from deep beneath the city’s subway system begin to affect the station’s broadcasts, prompting Proxy to flee before these haunting sounds transform her and her new acquaintances into something primal and unrecognizable.
Sales for Replacer will kick off at this week’s Cannes market, with CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group representing North American rights, while Film Mode Entertainment will handle international sales.
Halsey, a three-time Grammy nominee, has gained acting experience in films such as MaXXXine. Jogia, known for his role in Zombieland: Double Tap, has an upcoming project titled Backrooms. Both will be in Cannes to support the film’s debut and engage with potential buyers.
The film is produced by Kyle Mann of Independent Edge, Isabelle Deluce of Soft Focus Films, and Damiano Tucci of Getaway Entertainment, in association with Anarchists United. Additional executive producers include Anthony Li, Lawrence Mattis, Sarah Flores, Christopher Renteria, Emily McCann Lesser, and Clay Epstein from Film Mode Entertainment. Co-producers Olivier Picard and David Pierrat represent Parce Que Films.
Lilly Wachowski praised the script, describing it as a "surreal hyper-dive" into a genre-blending narrative set against the backdrop of Montreal’s unique subculture. She noted that Jogia’s vision reflects a rich understanding of classic filmmakers like David Cronenberg and John Carpenter, expressing excitement to be part of the Replacer team.
Jogia added that Replacer combines elements of electric club horror with a poignant romantic narrative about belonging and community.
Halsey is represented by UTA and Anthony Li, while Jogia is represented by CAA and Berwick & Kovacik.
