Wilderness Reform: Josh Ruben is steering Paramount's next scare
'Heart Eyes' Helmer Josh Ruben To Direct Horror Pic 'Wilderness Reform' For Paramount
Horror folks, you've got another title to pin on the board. Paramount is moving on Wilderness Reform, an adaptation of a horror novel with Josh Ruben (movies and tv series) set to direct.
The project was reported as in the works, with details still tucked away. That's typical at this stage - the deal gets announced, the rest catches up later.
If Ruben's name rings a bell, it should. Genre fans know him from Scare Me and Werewolves Within, and he's coming off Heart Eyes - a filmmaker who likes mixing tension with a wink, character beats with sharp, sudden jolts.
Here's why this lands with a little extra weight: Paramount's been leaning into horror because it's been working. Smile turned nervous laughter into serious box office, and A Quiet Place proved you can build a franchise out of silence and dread.
- Studio: Paramount
- Project: Wilderness Reform (novel adaptation)
- Director: Josh Ruben (Scare Me, Werewolves Within, Heart Eyes)
- Status: Early development; plot and casting keepers are still under wraps
What's the story here? The title hints at survival and control, maybe the kind of "fix what's broken" promise that gets darker the deeper you go. That's speculation, sure, but it's fertile ground for a filmmaker who likes to test how people behave when the woods get loud and the rules stop helping.
For people tracking the slate: this could slot into Paramount's steady horror pipeline between franchise plays and mid-budget originals. Think smart spend, strong concept, room for discovery casting - the kind of package that can pop with the right trailer and a fall date.
What to watch next: writer credits, producers, and whether this lives under a specific label; casting heat; and a start date that tells us if it's chasing a festival bow or a wide release. And if Ruben keeps that sly tone he's known for, expect a few nervous laughs before the floor drops out.
For broader context on why studios keep betting on scares, check how Smile performed at the box office. It's a reminder: horror doesn't need a cape to connect - just a clean hook and the nerve to go all the way.
We'll update as the package fills in. For now, Wilderness Reform is officially on the radar - and it sounds like the woods are calling.
Source note: This project was first reported as in the works by Deadline.
