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Jessica Chastain Returns to Horror with Universals Other Mommy - Scheduled for October 9, 2026
Jessica Chastain is set to re‑enter the horror genre with Universal Pictures’ upcoming supernatural psychological thriller Other Mommy. The film, directed by Rob Savage and written by Nathan Elston, adapts Josh Malerman’s 2024 novel Incidents Around the House. It is slated for a U.S. theatrical release on October 9, 2026.
Other Mommy follows eight‑year‑old Bela, played by Arabella Olivia Clark, who discovers a malevolent presence in her home that takes the form of her own mother. The entity, referred to in the novel as the Other Mommy, gradually threatens the family’s safety. Chastain portrays the mother who must confront the entity that looks like her and protect her daughter. The supporting cast includes Jay Duplass as Bela’s father, Dichen Lachman, Arian Moayed, and veteran actress Karen Allen.
The film’s production is backed by James Wan through his Blumhouse–Atomic Monster banner, in partnership with Spin a Black Yarn. Universal’s involvement as distributor follows the studio’s recent strategy of acquiring high‑profile horror projects that blend psychological tension with supernatural elements.
Chastain’s return to horror is notable given her four previous genre credits. She first appeared in the psychological drama Take Shelter (2011), a film that earned a 92 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes and showcased her ability to portray a character under extreme psychological strain. In 2013 she starred in Mama, directed by Andy Muschietti, which became a box‑office success and introduced her to a broader horror audience.
Her third horror outing, Crimson Peak (2015), was a Guillermo del Toro gothic film in which she played Lucille, a character who, unlike her earlier roles, displayed a more menacing presence. The fourth was It Chapter Two (2019), a sequel to the Stephen King adaptation that saw her as the adult version of Beverly Marsh.
Between It Chapter Two and Other Mommy, Chastain has focused on dramatic and science‑fiction projects, including The Help, Zero Dark Thirty, Interstellar, and The Martian. Her work in these films earned her multiple Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe win.
The source novel, Incidents Around the House, was published by Del Rey on June 25, 2024. It was nominated for the 2024 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel and was a finalist for the 2025 Locus Award for Best Horror Novel. The narrative is told from Bela’s perspective, which allows the film to explore the psychological impact of the entity on a child.
Rob Savage, who directed the 2023 horror film The Boogeyman, brings a recent track record in the genre. His work on Host (2020) and Dashcam (2021) demonstrated his skill in creating tension through limited settings, a technique that is expected to translate into Other Mommy.
Universal’s release strategy for October 2026 places the film in a competitive horror window that includes other mid‑budget supernatural titles. The studio has indicated that the film will be marketed through a combination of traditional trailers, social‑media teasers, and partnerships with horror‑focused streaming platforms.
While the film’s box‑office prospects remain to be seen, its cast, director, and source material suggest a strong appeal to both horror aficionados and audiences who appreciate psychological thrillers. Chastain’s performance will likely be a focal point for reviewers, given her history of delivering nuanced portrayals in the genre.
In summary, Other Mommy represents Jessica Chastain’s fifth horror film and marks a return to the genre after a seven‑year hiatus. With a release date set for October 9, 2026, the film is poised to add to her diverse body of work and to Universal’s slate of supernatural offerings.
Other Mommy follows eight‑year‑old Bela, played by Arabella Olivia Clark, who discovers a malevolent presence in her home that takes the form of her own mother. The entity, referred to in the novel as the Other Mommy, gradually threatens the family’s safety. Chastain portrays the mother who must confront the entity that looks like her and protect her daughter. The supporting cast includes Jay Duplass as Bela’s father, Dichen Lachman, Arian Moayed, and veteran actress Karen Allen.
The film’s production is backed by James Wan through his Blumhouse–Atomic Monster banner, in partnership with Spin a Black Yarn. Universal’s involvement as distributor follows the studio’s recent strategy of acquiring high‑profile horror projects that blend psychological tension with supernatural elements.
Chastain’s return to horror is notable given her four previous genre credits. She first appeared in the psychological drama Take Shelter (2011), a film that earned a 92 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes and showcased her ability to portray a character under extreme psychological strain. In 2013 she starred in Mama, directed by Andy Muschietti, which became a box‑office success and introduced her to a broader horror audience.
Her third horror outing, Crimson Peak (2015), was a Guillermo del Toro gothic film in which she played Lucille, a character who, unlike her earlier roles, displayed a more menacing presence. The fourth was It Chapter Two (2019), a sequel to the Stephen King adaptation that saw her as the adult version of Beverly Marsh.
Between It Chapter Two and Other Mommy, Chastain has focused on dramatic and science‑fiction projects, including The Help, Zero Dark Thirty, Interstellar, and The Martian. Her work in these films earned her multiple Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe win.
The source novel, Incidents Around the House, was published by Del Rey on June 25, 2024. It was nominated for the 2024 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel and was a finalist for the 2025 Locus Award for Best Horror Novel. The narrative is told from Bela’s perspective, which allows the film to explore the psychological impact of the entity on a child.
Rob Savage, who directed the 2023 horror film The Boogeyman, brings a recent track record in the genre. His work on Host (2020) and Dashcam (2021) demonstrated his skill in creating tension through limited settings, a technique that is expected to translate into Other Mommy.
Universal’s release strategy for October 2026 places the film in a competitive horror window that includes other mid‑budget supernatural titles. The studio has indicated that the film will be marketed through a combination of traditional trailers, social‑media teasers, and partnerships with horror‑focused streaming platforms.
While the film’s box‑office prospects remain to be seen, its cast, director, and source material suggest a strong appeal to both horror aficionados and audiences who appreciate psychological thrillers. Chastain’s performance will likely be a focal point for reviewers, given her history of delivering nuanced portrayals in the genre.
In summary, Other Mommy represents Jessica Chastain’s fifth horror film and marks a return to the genre after a seven‑year hiatus. With a release date set for October 9, 2026, the film is poised to add to her diverse body of work and to Universal’s slate of supernatural offerings.
