Woody Norman, Malachi Kirby, Tuppence Middleton, Conrad Khan, and Kola Bokinni have been cast in the British urban horror thriller “Skag & Bone,” produced by Featuristic Films with representation from UTA.
Described as a fusion of the gritty realism of “Top Boy” and the supernatural dread of “Talk to Me,” the film combines the fast-paced energy of a youth-driven crime narrative with elements of the paranormal.
UTA’s Independent Film Group is packaging the project and securing financing, while also holding North American rights representation. Conor Boru will direct from a screenplay he co-authored with Ed Hartland. This marks the pair’s second feature collaboration, following Boru’s directorial debut, the horror comedy “When the Screaming Starts,” which screened at FrightFest.
Julien Loeffler and James Kermack are producing through Featuristic Films. Their recent slate includes the underwater survival thriller “Breathe Deep” and the crime drama “Salvable.”
The story centers on Younger, a 16-year-old portrayed by Norman, who relocates to the notorious Stonemore Estate with his mother, Maria (Middleton). When Maria suffers a debilitating stroke that prevents her from working, Younger must assume the roles of both provider and protector. He navigates the dangerous environment alongside his cousin Caleb, played by Khan, and falls under the influence of local drug lord Anton, portrayed by Bokinni. Anton offers safety and financial opportunity, while an enigmatic preacher played by Kirby presents an alternative path.
As a violent gang conflict escalates across the estate, residents begin vanishing. A supernatural entity known as the Skag & Bone Man stalks the tower blocks, feeding on the fear and secrets of the community. Trapped between criminal forces and an occult threat, Younger fights to protect his mother and survive long enough to leave.
Norman gained critical acclaim for his role alongside Joaquin Phoenix in Mike Mills’ “C’mon C’mon,” earning BAFTA and Critics Choice Award nominations. His recent work includes “The Electric State,” “Cobweb,” and an upcoming role in Paul Greengrass’ “The Uprising.”
Kirby won a BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Darcus Howe in Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe: Mangrove.” He is currently starring in Disney+’s “A Thousand Blows” and previously headlined the miniseries “Roots.”
Middleton is known for her roles in the “Downton Abbey” films, Netflix’s “Sense8,” David Fincher’s “Mank,” and recent period pieces such as “Death by Lightning.” Khan received BAFTA and British Independent Film Award nominations for “County Lines” and has appeared in “Peaky Blinders” and “Baptiste.”
Bokinni is widely recognized for his role as AFC Richmond captain Isaac McAdoo in the Apple TV+ series “Ted Lasso,” alongside credits in “Black Mirror” and “Top Boy.”
Loeffler and Kermack praised the creative team, noting that “Skag & Bone” introduces a distinctive supernatural mythology to the genre. Boru described the film as a coming-of-age story set within an “urban nightmare,” highlighting the ensemble cast and UTA’s support in bringing the project to fruition.
Woody Norman carries heavy roles well, but can Kirby pull off a supernatural antagonist? That’s the real test here.
Finally, British horror that actually feels like home. Top Son meets Talk to Me sounds like a winner.