Brie Larson stars in new creature horror film Fail-Safe, marking a notable collaboration with director JT Mollner and producer J.J. Abrams. This fresh project brings together acclaimed talents from film and television, and is based on Philip Fracassi’s short story, adding a unique twist to the genre.
Oscar Winner Brie Larson Joins a New Horror Legacy
Marvel’s Brie Larson, renowned for her role as Captain Marvel, will headline Fail-Safe as a mother harboring a mysterious secret. JT Mollner, following up his work on the thriller Strange Darling, serves as director, raising interest since his last film generated buzz for its originality. The film promises to bring more intrigue given the involvement of such accomplished names as Oscar winner Brie Larson and director JT Mollner.
A Modern Take on Creature Horror
The story, first written by Philip Fracassi, has been adapted for the screen by Brian Duffield, widely praised for his scripts for Love and Monsters and No One Will Save You. Duffield’s screenplay centers on a young boy uncovering unsettling truths about his parents, especially his mother’s hidden identity. The official synopsis describes it as
“a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.”
Larson assumes this pivotal role of the mother, promising both suspense and emotional depth.
High Hopes from J.J. Abrams and Creative Team
J.J. Abrams, a veteran behind Star Wars and Star Trek films, produces Fail-Safe and has expressed great enthusiasm for the project and its collaborators. Abrams stated,

“With Fail-Safe, Brian Duffield has written an absolute powerhouse of a script,”
and continued,
“It’s a horror film that is as sweet and moving as it is terrifying. To have JT Mollner in the director’s chair – his Strange Darling blew me away – is a dream come true. Finally, having the limitlessly talented Brie Larson as our star sets up Fail-Safe to be that rare horror film that makes you laugh, feel, and care, before taking you on an absolutely wild ride.”
—J.J. Abrams, Producer. The combination of Abrams’ production expertise and Duffield’s writing provides further excitement for horror enthusiasts.
What Comes Next for Brie Larson and Fail-Safe
While audiences await a confirmed release date and official first-look material for Fail-Safe, interest is high due to the suspenseful plot and the cast’s impressive credentials. Simultaneously, Brie Larson remains in the spotlight with speculation around her return as Captain Marvel in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, although her involvement hasn’t been formally announced. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige recently indicated more casting news is on the horizon, fueling further anticipation.
With all eyes on Fail-Safe—and established creative forces like JT Mollner, Oscar winner Brie Larson, Brian Duffield, and J.J. Abrams working together—the film is poised to offer a chilling yet emotionally resonant creature horror experience that could stand out in 2025’s cinematic lineup.
