Lynch-backed thriller 'Hyena' sets cast and start date

Kiernan Shipka will star in the psychological thriller 'Hyena,' a project that served as one of the final film credits for David Lynch before his death in January 2025. The movie is heading to the American Film Market with a confirmed cast and a production start date.

Scott Coffey, who played Wilkins in Lynch's 'Mulholland Drive,' directs the film from a screenplay he co-wrote with novelist Blair Mastbaum. Coffey stated that Lynch became a mentor to him following their previous collaboration and was closely involved in the early development of the script.

The cast includes D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Edgar Ramírez, and Rosemarie DeWitt alongside Shipka. David Lancaster, who was nominated for an Oscar for 'Whiplash,' executive produces the film alongside Jeff Elliott.

The story follows Genevieve, played by Shipka, as she brings her new boyfriend Alexei, played by Woon-A-Tai, home to meet her family. As Alexei works his way into the group, he exposes buried secrets and hypocrisies. The narrative centers on Genevieve, who remains the only person willing to see him clearly, and the unspeakable sacrifice required to save her family.

Coffey described the project as deeply personal in a statement. He said, "I've always believed the most unsettling horror isn't supernatural, it's the moment grief and love turn feral, when we stop pretending we aren't wild." He added that the four lead actors will bring extraordinary depth, intelligence, and vulnerability to the movie.

Production is slated to begin in Spokane, Washington, early next year. This follows a previous package that included Archie Madekwe and Havana Rose Liu with a 2025 shoot date. Upgrade and WME Independent are handling sales and will introduce the project to buyers at the upcoming fall market.

Ramírez was recently seen in Jacques Audiard's 'Emilia Pérez' and Eli Roth's 'Borderlands.' DeWitt starred in 'Smile 2' and is currently in the Netflix series 'Untamed.' Woon-A-Tai is known for his role in FX's 'Reservation Dogs.' Shipka's recent credits include 'Longlegs,' 'The Last Showgirl,' and 'Industry.'