Following his role in Warfare, Will Poulter is set to headline Rapture alongside a former castmate. Known for his performances in We’re the Millers (2013) and The Maze Runner (2014), Poulter has also made notable appearances in the horror genre with the 2019 film Midsommar directed by Ari Aster. His recent projects include portraying Chef Luca in the TV series The Bear and taking on the role of Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023). In the A24 production Warfare, Poulter stars as Erik, the leader of a SEAL team.
According to Deadline, Poulter will reunite with his Warfare co-star Kit Connor for the upcoming film Rapture, directed and written by Jordan Tannahill. The film, also featuring Manu Ríos, will have its sales launched by HanWay Films at the Cannes Film Festival later this month.
Rapture is scheduled to begin production later this year in Hungary, produced by Elevation Pictures, 2AM, and Brookstreet Pictures, with Eli Arenson as the cinematographer. The movie, set in medieval times, revolves around a group of monks, as described in the synopsis below:
Set in the year 1348 in Medieval England, the narrative focuses on Lansley Abbey, a secluded stone monastery in Yorkshire that is home to ten monks dedicated to a life of strict routine and religious devotion. Their peace is shattered by the arrival of a messenger bearing ominous news from the outside world, who soon exhibits signs of a mysterious illness. A deadly plague, beginning with hemorrhagic fever and resulting in the creation of “revenants” — restless, undead creatures — is spreading across the land.
The abbey quickly turns into a warzone as desperate outsiders seek refuge and the infected threaten to breach its boundaries. The monks find themselves divided over a moral dilemma: whether to aid the sick or protect the centuries-old knowledge housed within the monastery. As death reigns, the monks’ capacity for both extraordinary altruism and ruthless betrayal emerges, prompting them to question the essence of humanity.
HanWay Films’ CEO, Gabrielle Stewart, commented on the film:
“The vision Jordan has for Rapture has astounded us all. It’s uncommon to find such a gripping and historically rich zombie horror film, filled with complex characters facing profound ethical conflicts. The casting of Will, Kit, and Manu, combined with the support of top-notch producers, is no surprise given the compelling nature of the project.”
What This Signifies for Will Poulter
Poulter at the Helm of a Unique Zombie Film
Poulter’s rising celebrity status has been evident, especially with his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Bear, both of which have resonated well with audiences. While Warfare received positive reviews, it did not perform spectacularly at the box office, earning $25 million against a $20 million budget. The financial details of Rapture are not yet known, but it’s already generating significant buzz. This project is expected to surpass the achievements of Warfare, potentially elevating Poulter’s career even further.
The zombie horror genre has seen a decline recently, but with the upcoming release of Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, there could be a resurgence. Another advantage for Rapture is its medieval setting, an era not commonly associated with zombie narratives. Unlike the comedic tone of Army of Darkness (1992), Rapture promises a much darker approach.
As of December 2024, the trailer for 28 Years Later had amassed 150 million views, becoming the second most-watched horror trailer in history.
Our Perspective on Rapture
Could This Revitalize the Zombie Genre?
The type of zombies featured in Rapture will be intriguing. Traditional slow-moving zombies, like those in The Walking Dead, have waned in popularity. Recent spin-offs and the continuation of the 28 Years Later series with its fast-paced Rage Virus zombies have introduced fresh dynamics to the genre. With Rapture‘s “revenants,” this film has the potential to bring exciting innovations to the classic movie monster.
With the storyline focusing on a monastery housing 10 monks, there is ample opportunity for further exciting casting announcements. Poulter has proven his ability to shine within large casts, as demonstrated in Warfare. While many details about Rapture remain unknown, the project is certainly one to anticipate.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
