Marlon Williams is stepping into the shadows alongside Emilia Clarke in When Darkness Loves Us – a chilling new horror film that’s just been snapped up by Bleecker Street for a 2027 release.
Directed and co-written by James Ashcroft, When Darkness Loves Us is a haunting adaptation of Elizabeth Engstrom’s cult 1980s novella. It centres on a woman, played by Clarke, who, after surviving 15 years trapped in an underground cave system, returns to the surface to reclaim the family she believes is hers, “no matter the monstrous cost”, per the synopsis.
Alongside Williams and Clarke, the film will feature Victoria Pedretti and Natascha McElhone, per Variety.
Bleecker’s deal encompasses all global territories, excluding New Zealand and Australia. The pact was negotiated by Miranda King and Avy Eschenasy for Bleecker Street and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers.
“The term ‘world-building’ is wildly overused, but the degree to which James and team have built a subterranean universe cannot be understated,” Bleecker CEO Kent Sanderson said in a statement. “This film is a true journey into the darkness, literally and figuratively, and we can’t wait to shock audiences worldwide with James’ singular vision.”
Bleecker’s recent releases include Spinal Tap II: The End Continues and Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience. Upcoming titles are Adam Shankman’s Stop! That! Train! starring RuPaul and Alex Gibney’s doc Musk.
The New Zealand-filmed project marks a striking new turn for the Aotearoa singer-songwriter, although it is not his first foray into acting. Williams starred in Netflix’s Sweet Tooth, and has further credits in A Star is Born, Bad Behaviour, and True History of the Kelly Gang, among other projects.
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The news comes ahead of Williams’ extended break from touring, announced in February. At the time, he said he’s “gonna take some time away for a bit” – but not before one final tour in New Zealand. He’ll kick off the farewell in Auckland on May 22nd, before shows in Wellington, Nelson, and Christchurch.
Williams took out the top spot in our Best New Zealand Albums of 2025 list with Te Whare Tīwekaweka. The deeply personal record – his first recorded entirely in te reo Māori – has rewarded him as a finalist in the 2026 Taite Music Prize, with the winner to be announced later this month.
A documentary, charting the making of the album, bringing into sharper focus the man behind the music, followed later in the year. Check out our album interview with him here.
