EXCLUSIVE: Paramount Pictures & Walter Hamada‘s 18hz have preemptively acquired The Littles, a new horror short from American Horror Stories producer and bestselling author Andrew Duplessie, for feature development, with Duplessie set to expand his work as writer-director.
Written, directed and produced by Duplessie, The Littles recently premiered to a sold-out audience at New York Comic Con, with star Violet McGraw in attendance. The short follows 11-year-old Juliet, who in stubbing her toe on a loose floorboard, unwittingly sets off a series of mysterious events. As she investigates, Juliet finds herself pulled into a chilling, otherworldly encounter — one that will unravel the secrets of her home and alter her reality forever.
Integrating live-action with stop-motion animation from The Nightmare Before Christmas alum Anthony Scott, the short also stars Janel Parrish (Pretty Little Liars), and Dominic Sherwood (Shadowhunters).
In a statement to Deadline, Duplessie said, “I’m thrilled to be partnering with 18hz to bring the Littles to life as a feature. Walter and Nick are true horror aficionados who immediately saw the potential and vision of the project. I’ve always loved the art of stop motion especially when it’s combined with horror, and the response to this short has been truly inspiring. I can’t wait to work with 18hz to expand this universe and show the rest of the world what lurks beneath their floorboards.”
A filmmaker, author, and tech entrepreneur, Duplessie’s debut novel, Too Scared to Sleep, was acquired by HarperCollins and Warner Bros. and reached the Barnes & Noble and Amazon bestseller lists. He began writing by posting stories on Instagram, building a large following and later writing the viral story “Mystery Dog,” which has amassed over 100 million views on YouTube. He is represented by Anonymous Content and attorney Miles Metcoff of Yorn, Levine, Barnes.
Recently reupping its production pact with Paramount, Hamada’s 18hz is next set to see the release of its Johannes Roberts horror film Primate on January 9. Formerly a DC Films chief and New Line Production EVP, Hamada first signed with the studio in November 2022. Recently producing New Line’s It films and Matt Reeves’ The Batman, his upcoming slate includes an untitled horror film from director André Øvredal, as well as the films Familiar and Suffer Little Children from Caye Casas and Rodrigue Huart, respectively.