Val Kilmer has signed to play the lead in the Arctic sci-fi thriller The Thaw, which Voltage Pictures will introduce to buyers here.

Telefilm Canada is financing the story of an expedition that uncovers a prehistoric parasite capable of destroying mankind.

Martha MacIsaac from last year's hit comedy Superbad will play Kilmer's daughter who accompanies him on the mission. Mark A Lewis will direct.

Mary Anne Waterhouse, Trent Carlson and Rob Neilson of Vancouver's Anagram Pictures are producing.

Voltage's Nadine de Barros negotiated the deal with Waterhouse. The sales slate includes the Brittany Murphy thriller Across The Hall and horror tale Hybrid.