A Film Adaptation Based on the Best-Selling Horror Video Game
In Theaters Nationwide On February 13th, 2026
Streaming On Shudder March 27th, 2026
Named One of IndieWire’s “Buzziest New Nightmares” In 2026
Epic Pictures and Dread, the genre specialty releasing label of Epic, today announced nationwide theatrical release plans for Shudder’s THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT, the highly anticipated feature film adaptation of the best-selling horror video game from creator Brian Clarke. Directed by Jeremiah Kipp (Slapface) and starring Willa Holland (Arrow) and Paul Sparks (Boardwalk Empire), THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT will be released in theaters nationwide on February 13th, 2026 with theatrical booking handled The film will then stream on Shudder, the leading curatorial voice and cultural destination for genre entertainment on March 27th, 2026.
THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT follows newly certified mortician Rebecca Owens (Holland), who accepts a night shift at a mortuary, embalming bodies alone after hours. As disturbing events escalate, Rebecca uncovers demonic rituals, the dark secrets of her enigmatic mentor (Sparks), and her own buried trauma—racing to survive the night before her body becomes a vessel for possession.
Originally released in 2022 on PC, The Mortuary Assistant game quickly became a viral sensation and cult favorite, and made available on additional gaming platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The film will expand on the game’s world and mythology and delve deeper into the lore of the demonic entities plaguing River Fields.
Patrick Ewald, producer and CEO of Epic Pictures said, “With THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT, we’re thrilled to translate one of gaming’s most unnerving experiences into a relentlessly immersive feature film. This is an authentic adaptation grounded in the same dread, the same characters, and the same world that made the game so unforgettable. We’re bringing River Fields Mortuary to life in full detail, building it from the ground up as a practical set to preserve its claustrophobic atmosphere and sinister realism. The result is a chilling blend of storytelling and sustained tension, and we can’t wait for audiences to step into this terrifying new chapter of horror cinema.”
Writer and game creator, Brian Clarke, said, “Seeing THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT make the leap from game to film is incredibly rewarding. Fans of the game will finally witness the world they’ve explored come alive, while genre film audiences will discover a story filled with tension, dark secrets, and unforgettable scares. It’s a unique crossover that bridges two communities of horror fans in a way I’ve always imagined.”
THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT was written by Tracee Beebe and Brian Clarke. The film was produced by Patrick Ewald’s Epic Pictures via the Company’s horror division, Dread, Cole Payne’s Traverse Media and Jacob P. Heineke. Executive producers include Brian Clarke, Katie Page, Yulissa Morales, Randy Sinquefield, Patrick Fischer and Oliver Garboe.
Dread is the same company that brought audiences the original Terrifier film, continuing to push the boundaries of extreme horror. With THE MORTUARY ASSISTANT, fans can expect another thrilling, unforgettable film from a team passionate about redefining the genre.
About Epic Pictures and Dread
Founded in 2007, Epic Pictures is an independent content studio with the mission of delivering the best-in-class genre entertainment “for fans, by fans.” Epic Pictures produces, finances, and distributes approximately twenty-thirty independent genre films a year. In 2013, the company established Epic Pictures Releasing which is its US focused distribution division. In 2017, Epic launched its genre film label, Dread, a recognized name in horror. In 2020, Epic launched DreadXP, its video game production and publishing division in collaboration with some of the most innovative developers in the independent gaming space.
About Shudder
Shudder is the leading curatorial voice and cultural destination for genre entertainment, delivering an unparalleled selection of horror, thrillers, and the supernatural. With an ever-expanding library of films, TV series, and exclusive Originals, Shudder is accessible across most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Shudder releases approximately thirty films per year, and has redefined genre streaming with a slate of groundbreaking and critically acclaimed titles, including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s Golden Globe-nominated LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Coralie Fargeat’s REVENGE, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna’s WHEN EVIL LURKS, and the latest installments in the V/H/S franchise. Shudder also boasts fan-favorite series such as the two-time Emmy Award-nominated THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Mark Duplass’ THE CREEP TAPES, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, and THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS. Notable recent releases include Chris Nash’s IN A VIOLENT NATURE, Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, Damian McCarthy’s ODDITY, and Emilie Blichfeldt’s THE UGLY STEPSISTER.
About Seismic Releasing
About Seismic Releasing: Founded in 2022 by Victoria Blake and William Gruenberg, Seismic Releasing is dedicated to bringing independent films onto the big screen and to U.S. audiences through comprehensive traditional theatrical distribution services. Working closely with filmmakers, producers and leading independent distributors, Seismic strategizes and organizes unique theatrical runs and event cinema. The Company’s combined experience has delivered successful theatrical campaigns in hundreds of theaters across the country for countless releases.
Author Profile
- I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!
Latest entries
