A24 Will Release The Masque of the Red Death in 2027
The dark comedy adaptation of the Edgar Allan Poe story is scheduled for a wide release in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Horror
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A24 has officially scheduled the release of The Masque of the Red Death for 2027. Directed by Charlie Polinger, the film reimagines the classic 1842 Edgar Allan Poe short story as a dark comedy set in a medieval castle.
Why it matters
The project represents a modern tonal shift for the classic narrative, which famously saw a prior adaptation during the 1964 Corman-Poe cycle. It adds to a growing portfolio of genre-bending horror titles for the distributor.
The original short story was published in 1842, while the last major film adaptation was released in 1964. This production marks the first feature-length version of the work in over six decades.
The players
A24
A24 is an American independent entertainment company known for producing and distributing critically acclaimed films.
Charlie Polinger
Charlie Polinger is a writer and director who serves as the creative lead for this feature adaptation.
Mikey Madison
Mikey Madison is an actress known for her diverse range in contemporary cinema and takes on the lead role of twin sisters.
Léa Seydoux
Léa Seydoux is an internationally acclaimed French actress known for her work in both independent and major studio films.
The details
The film follows a prince attempting to hide within a castle during a plague, with Mikey Madison cast in the role of twin sisters and Léa Seydoux playing a lady-in-waiting. Production on the medieval-era dark comedy officially began in February 2026.
Timeline
The original Edgar Allan Poe short story was published in 1842.
A previous film adaptation was released in 1964.
The film project was first announced in 2025.
Filming for the production began in February 2026.
The film is currently expected to be released in 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This production signals a continued trend of studios revisiting classic literature to anchor their horror slates with recognizable intellectual property. It follows a historical pattern of modern directors reinterpreting the 1964 Corman-Poe cycle for contemporary audiences.
The film is currently set for a 2027 theatrical release, meaning audiences should watch for updates on specific release dates and potential streaming availability. Distribution plans for the film will determine whether viewers can expect an exclusive cinema premiere or a simultaneous digital rollout.
The takeaway
The adaptation proves that classic literary works remain essential pillars for modern genre film development. Readers can look forward to seeing how the dark comedy tone evolves the source material's traditional gothic horror legacy.
Further reading
For more updates on upcoming genre films, browse our Horror section.
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Do you enjoy when film adaptations take a comedic approach to classic gothic horror stories?
