IFC Shudder Buy Zombie Film ‘This Is Not a Test’

Independent Film Company and Shudder have acquired the rights to writer-director Adam MacDonald’s zombie outbreak horror movie, “This Is Not a Test.” The film is adapted from the popular YA novel of the same name by New York Times best-selling author Courtney Summers. It stars Olivia Holt (“Heart Eyes”), Froy Gutierrez (“The Strangers”), Luke MacFarlane (“Bros”), Corteon Moore (“Overcompensating”), Chloe Avakian (“John Wayne Gacy”) and Carson MacCormac (“Clown in a Cornfield”).

“This Is Not a Test” marks MacDonald’s fourth collaboration with IFC Entertainment Group following his previous releases “Backcountry,” “Pyewacket” and “Out Come the Wolves.” The deal includes rights in the US, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Independent Film Company and Shudder will release “This Is Not a Test” in theaters in 2026.

According to an official plot description, the film “…follows Sloane and a small group of her classmates who take cover in their high school to escape their suddenly apocalyptic hometown. As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors, Sloane begins to see the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live and takes matters into her own hands.”

“Courtney Summers’ book ‘This Is Not a Test’ captivated me completely with its raw energy and dynamic characters, a story I felt personally and knew it had to be brought to the screen. I couldn’t be happier with Olivia Holt’s exceptional talent stepping into Sloane’s shoes (Docs) and bringing her to life. I’m beyond thrilled the film is in great hands and found a home with Independent Film Company and Shudder, a team that puts so much passion in the films they release,” said MacDonald in a statement. “Producer Cybill Lui and I brought together the very best creative team to realize this deeply emotional, gritty, intense film, one that puts you on the very edge of your seat and will leave you with hope at the end of the world.”

Independent Film Company’s Director of Acquisitions and Productions, Adam Koehler, commented, “Adam MacDonald has an unmatched ability to elevate genre filmmaking with heart, intelligence, and raw human emotion. We’re thrilled to bring ‘This Is Not a Test’ to a new generation of viewers who crave horror that hits both the gut and the soul.”

Cybill Lui of Anova Pictures and Adam MacDonald produced the film. The deal was negotiated by Adam Koehler for Independent Film Company and Shudder with Lui on behalf of the filmmakers.