Brainstorm Media has released the first look at Golden Globe nominee Hayden Panettiere (the Scream film franchise, “Heroes”) in the company’s upcoming psychological thriller Sleepwalker.
Written and directed by Brandon Auman, based on his 2024 short of the same name, the film stars Panattiere, Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon’s Vacation, Violent Night), and Justin Chatwin (The Invisible, War of the Worlds). It follows Christine (Panettiere), a grieving mother haunted by the loss of her daughter in a car accident that left her abusive husband in a coma. As Christine struggles to rebuild her life, her sleepwalking episodes become increasingly severe. When she begins to experience unsettling visions of her husband inside their home, her grip on reality starts to falter. What begins as a fight to move on soon turns into a waking nightmare, blurring the line between grief, guilt, and something far more dangerous.
Produced by Verdi Productions (The Irishman, Bleed For This) and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Revenant, The Wolf of Wall Street), the film brings together a formidable creative team. Chad A. Verdi (Bleed for This) and Appian Way’s Jennifer Davisson (Robin Hood) produce alongside Phillip Watson, Michelle Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., and Paul Luba, with Taylor DiGilio, Sera Verdi, and Anthony Gudas serving as executive producers.
“Hayden is a natural talent and the perfect actress to bring Brandon’s passion project to life,” said producer Chad A. Verdi. “This thriller will keep audiences on the edge of their seats with all of its phenomenal twists and turns.” Jennifer Davisson, President of Production at Appian Way, added: “We look forward to viewers escaping into Sarah’s world of intense mystery and puzzling darkness.”
Sleepwalker is slated to release in select theaters and on demand on January 9, 2026.
Brainstorm Media also has the festive comedy Tinsel Town, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson, set for a theatrical release on November 28, 2025.
