Preview by Jon Donnis
Vertigo Releasing has set the stage for the digital arrival of Witchboard, a fresh take on the 1986 favourite that marked one of Chuck Russell's early swings into horror. It also signals his return to the genre that helped define him, following the cult energy of A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and The Blob. This new film completes his trio of fantasy horror projects, something he approached as a chance to stretch the borders of familiar fright worlds while holding tight to the foundations that made them endure.
The cast comes packed with familiar faces. Madison Iselan leads as Emily, known for her work on the Annabelle and Jumanji franchises. She is joined by Jamie Campbell Bower, whose genre credentials from Stranger Things and the Twilight series fit neatly into this darker turn. Aaron Dominguez brings the sharp presence people spotted in Only Murders in the Building, while Charlie Tahan steps in with the grit he showed in Ozark. Mel Jarnson, recognised from Mortal Kombat, and Antonia Desplat, seen in Modi and Three Days on the Wing of Madness, round out a strong ensemble.
The story follows Emily after she discovers an ancient spirit board. The moment she brings it into her life, the people around her begin to die in sudden and unsettling ways. Her friends quickly realise they are dealing with something far older than superstition. Their only chance is to break the curse before it spreads further.
Russell produces the film alongside Kade Vu, Greg McKay and Bernie Gewissler. A large group of executive producers join them, including Eric Schiermeyer, Barry Brewer, John Paul Isham, Walter Josten, Patrick Josten, Marc Rousseau, Yannick Sadle, Robert Abramoff, Kevin Tenney, Jeff Geoffrey, Arianne Fraser, Delphine Perrier and JJ Caruth. Yaron Levy handles cinematography, while Camille Parent guides the production design. Véronique Marchessault shapes the costume design. Editing is shared between Alex Márquez, Joe Plenys and Émile Vallée, with Sam Ewing on composition duties.
Witchboard arrives on Amazon, Apple TV, Sky Store and YouTube Movies on 2 February 2026.
