What happens?

The fantasy thriller, starring Katie Holmes ("Batman Begins"), Guy Pearce ("The Proposition," "Memento") and nine-year-old Bailee Madison ("Bridge to Terabithia" ), is based on a 1970s telefilm. The script was co-written by celebrated filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro ("Hell Boy," "Pan's Labyrinth," "The Hobbit") and Matthew Robbins ("Mimic") and is being directed by Del Toro's protegee, Troy Nixey. The film tells the story of a young girl sent to live with her father and his girlfriend in a restored mansion who discovers creatures living in the basement. When the creatures turn nasty, the nightmare begins, and the child is unable to convince the adults of the imminent danger.

Del Toro is producing alongside Mark Johnson ("Chronicles of Narnia," "The Notebook," "Rain Man," "Bugsy"). William Horberg ("Milk," "Adventureland") is executive producer.

In depth

Actors are not afraid of Dark redo

By Borys Kit
The Hollywood Reporter
Excerpt
June 29, 2009

Guy Pearce is in final negotiations and Bailee Madison is set to star with Katie Holmes in "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," Miramax's supernatural thriller being directed by Guillermo del Toro protege Troy Nixey. Del... more