Emma Roberts Leads Horror Film ‘A Body In The Woods’ at EFM

Emma Roberts is set to star in the upcoming horror film A Body In The Woods, produced by Dave Caplan, known for his work on Longlegs and The Monkey. This project marks the debut of the new U.S. sales firm Manifest Pictures, founded by industry veterans Yvette Zhuang and Zach Glueck. Pre-sales for the film launched during this week’s European Film Market in Berlin.

In A Body In The Woods, Roberts will portray Alice Lincoln, a woman living in the early 1900s in the remote Marshall Woods, an area steeped in legends about a menacing witch. The plot unfolds as Alice is tasked with keeping vigil over the body of an unidentified mine worker at her secluded cabin. As night falls, she encounters unsettling disturbances, leading her to fear that the corpse may not be at rest. The arrival of a silent woman at the edge of the forest traps Alice in a waking nightmare, battling the growing evil within and the unknown terror lurking outside her door.

The film, described as a “nightmarish folklore tale,” will be written and directed by Stephen Cognetti, creator of the acclaimed Hell House franchise. Production is scheduled to begin in September, with financing provided by C2 Motion Picture Group.

Caplan expressed confidence in the project, stating, “Stephen has consistently proven he can create terrifying, elevated immersive horror experiences. With Emma in the lead, A Body In The Woods is an undeniable package.”

Cognetti praised Roberts, saying, “Emma brings an intelligence and emotional fearlessness that elevates everything she touches. She understands horror on a cellular level—how to balance vulnerability, strength, and terror.” He aims for the film to deliver a unique horror experience that challenges both the lead character and the audience, leaving viewers unsettled and questioning what they witnessed.

Manifest Pictures emphasized their excitement about collaborating with such experienced professionals like Caplan and Cognetti, noting their commitment to producing quality horror content.

Roberts is recognized for her roles in Scream 4, Holidate, Scream Queens, and the box office hit We’re the Millers. She is also a co-producer on the Hulu series Tell Me Lies. Roberts is represented by Sweeney Entertainment, while Cognetti is represented by Anonymous Content.

As A Body In The Woods moves forward, anticipation builds around Roberts’ performance and the film’s potential to redefine modern horror storytelling.