Sony Pictures is reportedly nearing a deal to secure the global rights for the horror thriller Skeletons, starring Brie Larson (Captain Marvel). The agreement is reported to be around $25 million, with Sony outbidding several other parties seeking domestic rights. J.J. Abrams is producing, with FilmNation, WME, and CAA overseeing the sale. Filming is scheduled to begin this summer.
The project, directed by JT Mollner (Strange Darling), follows a young boy who begins to uncover a sinister side to his mother. Casting for the roles of the boy and his father is currently underway. The screenplay, written by Brian Duffield (No One Will Save You), is adapted from Philip Fracassi’s short story, “Fail-Safe.”
Fracassi recently shared on his blog that “Fail-Safe” was initially rejected by dozens of magazines and websites, but he included it in his debut collection because he believed in the story. The story later gained recognition, being selected for the “Best Horror of the Year” series (Volume Ten) and reprinted in multiple languages. Another of Fracassi’s stories, “Altar,” has also been adapted into a major motion picture by A24, directed by Egor Abramenko (Sputnik), with a screenplay by Will Soodik (Westworld). The film stars Kyle MacLachlan, January Jones, Lily Collias, David Krumholtz, and Hudson Behling.
Skeletons is being produced through FilmNation Entertainment’s Infrared label, Bad Robot Productions, and Assemble Media. Producers include Drew Simon, J.J. Abrams, Jon Cohen, and Jack Heller, with executive producers Caitlin de Lisser-Ellen, Brian Duffield, Brie Larson, and Philip Fracassi. Sony’s negotiating team includes Joe Matukewicz (President of Worldwide Acquisitions), Virginia Longmuir (EVP, Business Affairs), and Elan Kovo (VP, Business Development).
This is FilmNation’s second major deal of 2026, following the sale of the Sundance film The Invite to A24, which was reported in the $10–12 million range.
