Orion Pictures acquires rights to Kumail Nanjiani’s horror-comedy “Howl,” with actor set to direct

Amazon MGM Studios’ Orion Pictures has landed rights to “Howl,” a horror comedy project in development that will mark Kumail Nanjiani’s directing debut. Deadline reported on Aug. 3, 2026, that Orion acquired the film, with Nanjiani attached as both star and first-time director.

Nanjiani will also be part of the producing team through Winter Coat Films, the company he runs with Emily V. Gordon. Deadline also said the project will be produced by Weed Road Pictures, with Orion Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios backing the development as the film prepares to move through its next production steps.

The script is credited to Madison Vanderberg, who is attached to write “Howl.” The project is being developed, and no filming start date or release window was stated in the report, leaving the schedule dependent on standard development milestones including casting, final script revisions, and pre-production planning.

While the report characterizes the title as a horror comedy, the specific plot elements were not included in the provided material beyond that genre description. As a result, the studio’s plans for the film’s tone, setting, and character arcs have not been publicly detailed in the information currently on record.

Orion Pictures has not yet announced casting beyond Nanjiani, nor has it outlined whether the film will be distributed through theatrical, streaming, or other windows as development proceeds. Rights have been acquired, but the project remains in the early stages where additional creative and business terms are typically finalized.

For Nanjiani, “Howl” represents a shift from screen roles to directing leadership on a genre project. The move also positions the film as a potential bridge between his on-screen career and behind-the-camera work, with Orion and Amazon MGM Studios supporting the transition as the project develops.

The deal underscores how major studios continue to acquire rights to projects built around known performers and emerging director talent, particularly within genre formats like horror-comedy that can be produced at scale and marketed to defined audiences if development continues.

Once “Howl” clears early development, the next public updates are expected to include additional cast attachments, final production partners, and a timeline for principal photography and release planning, but those details were not provided in the report.