Mimi Steinbauer’s Radiant Films International has boarded worldwide rights to the supernatural thriller heading into Cannes excluding Australia and New Zealand.

Timothy Spall

Playwright Stuart McKenzie and Miranda Harcourt will direct The Changeover, which will also star Melanie Lynskey, Charlie Heaton, Lucy Lawless, and New Zealand rising stars Erana James, Stefania LaVie Owen, and internet celebrity Jamie Curry.

McKenzie also wrote the screenplay based on New Zealand author Margaret Mahy’s YA novel The Changeover: A Supernatural Romance.

Firefly Films’ Emma Slade is producing and principal photography is scheduled to begin in Christchurch, New Zealand, in August. Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post will create visual effects.

The story centres on a 16-year-old Laura Chant, who learns she has the supernatural powers to save her younger brother after an ancient spirit attacks him.

Radiant’s Cannes slate also includes the action thriller Juveniles starring Beau Knapp and Stephen Moyer that premieres in the market; as well as rom-com Carrie Pilby starring Bel Powley; Rita Hayworth With A Hand Grenade starring Elizabeth Banks and Japanese newcomer Yosuke Kubozuka; and London Town with Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Dougray Scott and Natasha McElhone for Cargo Entertainment, which also screens in the market.