Cineverse Acquires ‘DRAGN’: Peter Webber’s AI-Horror Thriller Set for 2025 Release

DRAGN

Cineverse has picked up North American distribution rights to Dragn from Myriad Pictures. The upcoming feature is directed by Peter Webber (Hannibal Rising) and scripted by Barry Hutchison in collaboration with Alexander Gordon Smith and Alex Lane.

DRAGN sits at the intersection of science fiction, horror, and thriller, borrowing elements from each genre to create a uniquely intense experience.

The film boasts a dynamic ensemble led by James Paxton (Twisters) as Tom Wilson, with Lilly Krug (Plane) portraying Adele. Joining them is Carlos Bardem (Assassin’s Creed), who anchors the ensemble, while Alice Pagani (Baby) completes the core group of colleagues at the heart of the story. The supporting cast adds further depth, featuring Alex Lane (A Very Secret Service) as Petros—also serving as producer and co-writer—alongside Franz Drameh (Legends of Tomorrow), Jadran Malkovich (The Ark), and Oleg Shardin

Set against the backdrop of a secluded forest, the tale centers on colleagues whose bonding retreat spirals into a fight for survival against an AI-powered predator. The film explores what happens when humanity loses dominance over its own creations. The drone isn’t just a machine; it’s a symbol of unchecked technological advancement, a mirror reflecting our overreliance on automation and AI.

British filmmaker Peter Webber first captured international attention with his debut feature, Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003). This work earned three Academy Award nominations and ten BAFTA nods, cementing his reputation as a director of striking visual and emotional depth.

His credits include Hannibal Rising (2007), a chilling prequel that delves into the origins of Hannibal Lecter; Emperor (2012), a post-WWII drama starring Tommy Lee Jones that nearly claimed the Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival; and Earth: One Amazing Day (2017), a sweeping nature documentary honored with the Junior Youth Jury prize for Best Feature Film. He continued to expand his range with Inna de Yard: The Soul of Jamaica (2019), a vibrant portrait of reggae pioneers that resonated with critics and audiences alike, earning a second-place Audience Award. Beyond cinema, Webber also left his mark on television, directing the memorable episode “The Dare” for HBO’s Six Feet Under in 2004.