Molepeople Shifts to Ben Wheatley as Stars Exit

Paramount Primal and Blumhouse Atomic Monster confirmed a leadership change on Molepeople on Tuesday, naming Ben Wheatley as the new director. The announcement follows the departure of original director Rob Savage and lead actor LaKeith Stanfield. Despite the personnel shakeup, the studio maintains the August 27, 2027, theatrical release date.

Savage stepped away due to scheduling conflicts but remains on the project as an executive producer. He joins Ryan Turek, Tracy Rosenblum, and screenwriter Nathan Elston in that capacity. Stanfield, who was attached to star the film, is no longer part of the production. The script, written by Elston, centers on a man who discovers a hidden society in the abandoned tunnels beneath New York City.

The film was first introduced to the public in October during a Blumhouse Atomic Monster presentation at New York Comic-Con. Jason Blum serves as a producer, alongside J.D. Lifshitz, Raphael Margules, and James Harris. Paramount will manage worldwide distribution for the picture, which is co-financed and co-produced by the two production entities.

Wheatley brings a specific style to the project, having previously directed the action thriller Normal. That film, written by Derek Kolstad and starring Bob Odenkirk, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026. His filmography includes independent titles like Kill List, which received six British Independent Film Award nominations, and studio work such as Meg 2: The Trench. Wheatley is currently represented by WME, Independent Talent Group, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.