James Wan, known for shaping modern horror with franchises like The Conjuring, is moving on from that universe but staying deeply involved in the genre. In a recent conversation with Collider‘s Perri Nemiroff, Wan shared details about Other Mommy, a film adaptation of Josh Malerman‘s bestselling novel Incidents Around the House. Set to be directed by Rob Savage, with Jessica Chastain starring and Nathan Elston penning the screenplay, Wan expressed strong enthusiasm for the project’s unique appeal.
I think Rob is a rising star, and I do think he has such a strong vision for this particular film,
Wan explained.
Working with Rob and talking to him about some of the set pieces and how he wanted to approach Other Mommy is really, really cool. And I don’t know, there’s something special about this film that I can’t quite put my finger on, but I just kind of feel it. I cannot wait for people to see it.
The Unique Perspective Driving Other Mommy’s Story
Wan highlighted that Other Mommy will stand out due to its distinctive storytelling, which takes place largely through the perspective of an eight-year-old girl named Bela. This viewpoint, he believes, offers a fresh emotional and psychological dimension to the horror, allowing the audience to experience the narrative’s unsettling events through a child’s eyes.
That whole movie is seen through her perspective,
Wan said.
You’ll have these sort of weird supernatural things happening, but you’re kind of seeing the movie through the point of view of this eight-year-old kid.
By viewing the supernatural occurrences through Bela’s imaginative and vulnerable mindset, the film invites viewers to share in a form of terror grounded in childhood fear and mistrust toward familiar surroundings. Jessica Chastain’s involvement adds a powerful emotional presence to the film, promising a combination of intensity and depth alongside the chilling elements.
Anticipation for the Film’s Execution and Impact
Wan remained tight-lipped about specific plot details or the design of key scenes, ensuring that audiences will discover Rob Savage’s direction firsthand when Other Mommy hits theaters. However, he reaffirmed his excitement for the film’s potential to captivate fans with its elusive yet compelling nature.
With Jessica Chastain playing that role, it’s just super exciting,
he stated.
I feel like there is potentially something in there that hopefully fans will really kind of latch on to.
Having cultivated a career defined by groundbreaking horror films such as Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring series, Wan’s confidence implies that Other Mommy could become a noteworthy addition to the genre. Horror fans should prepare for a distinct, emotionally resonant experience when the film premieres.
Other Mommy is scheduled for release on May 8, 2026. Meanwhile, The Conjuring: Last Rites will appear in theaters starting September 5.
Notable Cast Members Connected to The Conjuring Universe
The Conjuring: Last Rites features appearances by Vera Farmiga as Lorraine Warren and Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren. Mia Tomlinson returns as Judy Warren, with Ben Hardy portraying Tony Spera, completing a strong ensemble that continues the franchise’s legacy.
