Sony's Screen Gems has landed "Mime," a supernatural horror project with John David Washington attached to star and Nikyatu Jusu set to direct, according to The Hollywood Reporter (THR). The package drew competitive interest before Screen Gems secured it. Plot details are being kept under wraps.

Stephen Herman wrote the spec screenplay — an original script shopped to studios rather than one commissioned by a particular buyer — based on his own idea. Matt Tolmach packaged the project and will produce alongside Scott Derrickson, who produces through his Crooked Highway banner. Washington will also produce, as will Tolmach's partner Camila Grove.

Washington's credits span some of the most prominent directors working today. He starred in Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman, Christopher Nolan's Tenet, and Gareth Edwards' The Creator. His most recent screen appearance was in the 2024 drama The Piano Lesson. He is repped by WME.

Jusu made her feature directorial debut with Nanny, a psychological horror film starring Anna Diop as an immigrant nanny whose life in America is derailed by visions. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance — one of the festival's top honours — and was subsequently acquired by Amazon and Blumhouse in a joint deal. Jusu is repped by CAA, Gaby Mena and Natalia Williams at M88, and Granderson Des Rochers.

For Washington, "Mime" marks a step into the horror genre. His career so far has been built on prestige drama, science fiction, and high-concept action — the kind of films that open in wide release and aim for awards conversation. A supernatural horror project under a genre-focused label like Screen Gems sits in a different lane entirely.

For Jusu, it is a first major-studio assignment after an acclaimed festival debut. Derrickson's presence as a producer brings additional genre experience; his credits include Sinister and The Black Phone, both of which performed well at the domestic box office — the United States and Canada market that Screen Gems targets.

No release date, production start, or additional casting has been announced.