Doctor Strange Director Is Adapting a Modern Horror Classic (& It’s Perfect)

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Scott Derrickon, director of Doctor Strange, has unveiled his newest horror venture, which he’s creating alongside his wife, filmmaker Maggie Levin. They will jointly adapt the highly praised horror novel Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman. As reported by Variety, Derrickson will produce this adaptation under his Crooked Highway label, while Levin will pen and direct the project. Previously, Derrickson and Levin have worked together on the successful horror film The Black Phone. Given their extensive backgrounds in the horror genre, Ghost Eaters is expected to give us a good, scary jolt.

In 2022, Chapman’s novel titled “Ghost Eaters ” was released to critical acclaim, earning spots on lists for the best horror books of the year by publications such as Vulture, Paste, and Crime Reads. The story revolves around a woman who is mourning the loss of her boyfriend. In an attempt to bridge the gap between life and death, she discovers a drug called Ghost. This substance enables its users to perceive spirits. However, taking this drug comes with unimaginable consequences, as once ingested, there’s no turning back.

Derrickson and Levin Make Up a Horror Dream Team Bring Ghost Eaters to the Big Screen

In its early stages, Ghost Eaters seems like an ideal project for the creative duo of Derrickson and Levin. Known for his work in horror, Derrickson has proven himself with films such as The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Sinister, and most notably Doctor Strange within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Doctor Strange, he expanded the boundaries of what a Marvel movie could offer, incorporating supernatural elements, a visually striking style reminiscent of M.C. Escher, and maintaining an element of wonder amidst the franchise’s grandiose, high-budget action sequences.

Despite handing over the reins for “Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness” to Sam Raimi (leaving room for potential future superhero films), Scott Derrickson has solidified his reputation as a highly demanded horror filmmaker. His recent successes include “The Gorge” and the unexpected blockbuster hit, “The Black Phone”, with its sequel set for release in October of this year.

The upcoming film “Ghost Eaters” is expected to be a more personal and intimate production compared to the fantastical style of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Director Scott Derrickson, known for his work on deep psychological themes like grief and addiction, seems perfectly fit for this project. We’re particularly thrilled about “Ghost Eaters” as it signifies the first full-length feature directorial debut of Lindsey Beaver (Levin), who has previously directed shorts and several TV episodes, and served as Derrickson’s second unit director on “The Black Phone.” Although her episode in the Blumhouse/Hulu anthology series “Into the Dark,” titled “My Valentine,” received mixed critic reviews, “The Black Phone” earned $161 million at the box office despite a budget of only $18 million.

It’s highly probable that Derrickson, Levin, and Screen Gems will continue using a familiar approach for the film titled “Ghost Eaters” – a modest budget combined with significant potential.

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2025-07-12 02:12