Netflix Scoops Up Starry Shark Thriller from ‘Violent Night’ Director

by

After two years in development, Sony Pictures has sold its upcoming shark thriller (previously considered under the titles Shiver and Beneath the Storm) to Netflix. According to Deadline, the film, directed by Tommy Wirkola (known for Violent Night), was removed from Sony’s planned theatrical release schedule (originally set for July 3, 2026), allowing producers Adam McKay and Kevin Messick to finalize a deal through their production company, HyperObject Industries.

As a critic, I’m thrilled to hear this project is happening! I really enjoyed Don’t Look Up, and the filmmakers had a fantastic collaboration with Netflix on that one. They’re teaming up again, and it sounds like they’re aiming for a big, splashy release in 2026 – something truly event-worthy. I’m definitely marking my calendar!

Details about the story are currently unknown, but we do know that Phoebe Dynevor (from Bridgerton), Djimon Hounsou (of Gladiator), and Whitney Peak (starring in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping) will be facing off against sharks in some capacity. The director, Timo Vuorensola, is also known for his violent Christmas movie featuring David Harbour (Stranger Things) as Santa Claus, as well as films like Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters and What Happened to Monday.

2026 is the Year of the Shark


Universal Pictures

Okay, if you’re like me and love a good shark thriller, especially one with a cast of recognizable faces, you’re in for a treat this year! Renny Harlin, the director of the classic Deep Blue Sea, is back with Deep Water on May 1st. I’m really excited because it stars Aaron Eckhart, Kelly Gale, Ben Kingsley, Madeleine West, and Angus Sampson – all thrown into a terrifying situation with sharks in the middle of the ocean. The movie seems like it’s going to be a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

Passengers on a flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai are stranded when their plane makes an emergency landing in waters filled with sharks. They must now cooperate to survive the shark attack and wreckage.

This new version of Deep Water isn’t like the original Deep Blue Sea, which featured genetically modified sharks. Deep Blue Sea, starring Thomas Jane, Stellan Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, and Saffron Burrows, was about scientists using sharks to develop a cure for Alzheimer’s disease in an underwater lab. Of course, things went wrong, and the sharks turned on the scientists, chasing them through the flooded facility. Interestingly, Thomas Jane, who played Carter Blake, actually supported a fan campaign in 2023 to try and alter the movie’s ending.

Read More

2026-01-19 16:22