James Wan Producing a New Supernatural Cult Horror Series Titled ARCHIVE 81 For Netflix
James Wan has found his next horror project in the form of a supernatural cult series titled Archive 81. The series is being developed for Netflix and the first season will consist of eight episodes.
The series is said to be loosely inspired by the found footage horror podcast of the same name, and the series comes from writer, showrunner and executive producer Rebecca Sonnenshine (The Boys, The Vampire Diaries).
The series will star Mamoudou Athie (Jurassic World: Dominion) and Dina Shihabi (Altered Carbon). Here’s the synopsis that was shared for the series:
When archivist Dan Turner (Athie) takes a mysterious job restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from 1994, he finds himself reconstructing the work of documentary filmmaker Melody Pendras (Shihabi) and her investigation into a dangerous cult. As Dan is drawn into Melody’s story, he becomes convinced he can save her from the terrifying end she met 25 years ago.
That sounds like a story that I’d certainly be interested in watching! Rebecca Thomas (Stranger Things) is set to direct half of the season, including the premiere episode. She will also executive produce alongside Wan and Paul Harris Boardman, who developed the original script. Sonnenshine said in a statement:
“With ‘Archive 81,’ we’re hoping to give the supernatural horror genre a new twist – while keeping a dark, deeply emotional romance as its core. Alongside the talented Mamoudou Athie and Dina Shihabi, and visionary partners Atomic Monster and Rebecca Thomas, I’m excited to take Netflix viewers on a terrifying and visually thrilling adventure.”
The original Archive 81 podcast was created by Marc Sollinger and Daniel Powell, who serve as co-producers on the Netflix series. I’m not familiar with the podcast, but I’ll be checking it out soon!