Passenger is an upcoming American supernatural horror film directed by André Øvredal, from a screenplay written by T.W. Burgess and Zachary Donohue. It stars Jacob Scipio, Lou Llobell, and Melissa Leo, with Walter Hamada and Gary Dauberman serving as producers. The film is distributed by Paramount Pictures and is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026.
The film is produced by Hamada’s production company 18hz, as part of his first-look deal with Paramount, and by Gary Dauberman’s Coin Operated. Paramount Pictures presents the film in association with Domain Entertainment, as an 18Hz/Coin Operated production.
Premise
After a young couple witnesses a gruesome highway accident, they soon realize they did not leave the crash scene alone, as a demonic presence called the Passenger that won’t stop until it claims them both turns their van life adventure into a nightmare.
The film explores supernatural folklore about haunted roads and the perils of picking up unknown passengers, leaning into fears of roadside disappearances and sinister spirits hunting unsuspecting drivers.
Passenger (2026) Cast
- Jacob Scipio as Tyler
- Lou Llobell as Maddie
- Melissa Leo as Diana
- Joseph Lopez as The Passenger
- Tony Doupe as Preacher
- Bonni Dichone as Diner Waitress
- Devielle Johnson as Neighborhood Volunteer
- Jessica Cruz as Diner Customer
Jacob Scipio is known for playing Armando in Bad Boys for Life and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, while Lou Llobell is known for playing Gaal Dornick in Foundation.
Production
Development
In October 2024, it was announced that André Øvredal would direct a new horror film for Paramount, with the screenplay written by Zachary Donohue (The Den) and T.W. Burgess (Mister Howl). Former Warner Bros. production executive Walter Hamada, who steered the Conjuring and It franchises, was set to produce. Gary Dauberman, screenwriter of It, joined as a co-producer.
Øvredal described his attraction to the project in an interview with Bloody Disgusting: “I’ve had a relationship with Gary Dauberman and Walter Hamada for a while. We’ve been trying to connect and work together for years on various projects, actually. They just sent it to me and asked if I wanted to read it. I immediately fell in love with it. I thought it was such a great horror movie that I hadn’t seen before. I’m always trying to make something unique, obviously something that works within the genre and fun for the audience, but something that also brings something new and fresh out of me, in a way.”
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Casting and Principal Photography
In January 2025, Melissa Leo, Lou Llobell, and Jacob Scipio joined the cast, with principal photography beginning that same month. The film was photographed by Federico Verardi.
Music
Christopher Young composed the film’s score. Young is a prolific horror film composer known for his work on Hellraiser, Sinister, and Drag Me to Hell, among others.
Director’s Statement
Øvredal described Passenger as a fusion of two genres: “It’s a road movie, which is what I really fell in love with. It’s totally unique for me as a horror movie. Bridging the road movie with a haunting, essentially, on the road.”
The director called it the scariest film of his career, saying: “I think it’s the scariest movie I’ve made. I’m very proud of Passenger. I’ve seen [the movie] with the audience in a number of test screenings, and it’s been a riot to watch the audience jump.”
Øvredal also told Bloody Disgusting that Passenger will introduce audiences to a broader mythology that could potentially be expanded in future installments.
Passenger Release Date and Time
Theatrical Release
The film was originally set for release on May 29, 2026. It was subsequently moved up one week: Passenger is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 22, 2026, where Paramount hopes it will serve as effective counter-programming to The Mandalorian and Grogu. The date shift was made to avoid competition with Backrooms and another Paramount release, Scary Movie 6.
Other films releasing on the same date include The Mandalorian and Grogu, I Love Boosters, and Corporate Retreat.
Marketing
Paramount built early buzz for Passenger by playing a teaser trailer exclusively in theaters for several months before releasing official marketing materials online. The full official trailer was released in April 2026. The new trailer opens up a wider world of terror, giving an eerie glimpse at the demonic entity stalking the backroads and highways, hinting at a much larger mythology than the previous teaser suggested.
Ratings
The film received a 15 certificate from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) on March 26, 2026.
Streaming and Digital Release
As of now, Passenger is not available on any streaming platform, as it is scheduled for an exclusive theatrical release on May 22, 2026, by Paramount Pictures.
However, based on Paramount’s typical distribution strategy, the film is expected to follow a standard post-theatrical release window. After its run in cinemas, Passenger will likely be made available on Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) platforms, where viewers can rent or purchase the film digitally.
These platforms are expected to include:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- YouTube Movies & TV
- Fandango at Home
The PVOD release typically arrives within 30 to 60 days after theatrical debut, depending on box office performance. Rental pricing for new releases generally ranges between $19.99 and $29.99, with a standard 48-hour viewing window.
Following its digital availability, Passenger is expected to move to a subscription-based streaming platform. Given Paramount’s distribution model, the film will most likely stream first on Paramount+, which serves as the studio’s primary streaming home.
This transition usually occurs within 2 to 4 months after the theatrical release, meaning the film could arrive on Paramount+ by late summer or early fall 2026.
At present, there is no confirmed release on platforms like Netflix or Hulu, and no official licensing announcements have been made regarding secondary streaming deals.
International streaming availability may vary by region, as distribution rights are often sold separately outside the United States.
About the Filmmakers
Director: André Øvredal
André Øvredal is a Norwegian genre filmmaker known for directing Future Murder, Trollhunter, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Mortal, and The Last Voyage of the Demeter. Passenger comes after the box office disappointment of The Last Voyage of the Demeter, and the film’s strong test screenings have generated significant anticipation for a return to form.
Producers
Walter Hamada is a former Warner Bros. executive who oversaw the DC Extended Universe and guided franchise horror properties including The Conjuring universe and the It films. He now produces under his banner 18hz, which has a first-look deal with Paramount Pictures.
Gary Dauberman is best known as the screenwriter behind It (2017), It Chapter Two (2019), Annabelle, and The Nun. He produces via his production company Coin Operated.
Screenwriters
Zachary Donohue is the writer-director of The Den, the 2013 found-footage horror film (Door Lock, Silent Night). T.W. Burgess is known for writing Mister Howl.
Production Companies
- 18Hz Productions (Walter Hamada)
- Coin Operated (Gary Dauberman)
- Paramount Pictures
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