Olivia Cooke and Rhys Ifans to Star in Horror Comedy ‘The Scurry’

Acclaimed director Craig Roberts, known for Eternal Beauty, is gearing up to bring a unique blend of horror and comedy with The Scurry, featuring an all-star cast including Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Paapa Essiedu, Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Antonia Thomas. Slated to begin production on April 2 at Dragon Studios in South Wales, The Scurry is already creating a buzz for its innovative concept and stellar lineup.

The Scurry unfolds a tale of chaos unleashed by deranged squirrels in a peaceful park, turning an ordinary day into a nightmare for the visitors and staff. With a screenplay by Tim Telling of The Mash Report, the film promises a horrifying yet humorous rodent apocalypse. This forthcoming project, with a budget of over £10 million, signifies a significant move in the UK’s genre film scene, especially as it taps into the newly announced Independent Film Tax Credit.

The story follows two pest controllers summoned to tackle what seems like a standard vermin issue at an eco-café. However, as dusk falls, an onslaught of enraged squirrels descends, creating a scenario filled with both terror and absurdity. Among the eclectic group of survivors are the pest controllers, a sulky teenager, hypocritical vegans, and a drug dealer, all fighting for survival against nature’s furry onslaught.

Producer James Swarbrick expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Craig Roberts, praising his unique vision that perfectly suits the film’s premise. Adrian Bate highlighted the environmental undertone of the narrative, suggesting the film will make audiences rethink their relationship with nature. Zygi Kamasa, of True Brit Entertainment, which has come on board as the UK distributor and co-producer, emphasized the rarity of finding such a dynamic British genre film poised for franchise potential.

Director Craig Roberts humorously expressed his gratitude for being employed again, while James Scott from Circus Studios underlined the film’s universal appeal and its potential to instill a new phobia among city dwellers worldwide.

Set to be one of the first films benefiting from the UK’s Independent Film Tax Credit, The Scurry promises a fresh and entertaining take on the horror-comedy genre. With a cast recognized internationally and a storyline resonating across cultures, The Scurry is poised to captivate audiences with its tale of nature fighting back in the most unexpected ways.