A24 Horror Film ‘Opus’ Features John Malkovich as a Popstar Cult Leader

A24 is set to bring a fresh dose of horror to theaters in early 2025 with Opus, starring Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) and John Malkovich (Billions). USA Today has unveiled a first-look image as part of their 2025 Movie Preview. Check it out above and read on for more details.

Opus will hit theaters on March 14, 2025, marking A24’s first new horror release of the year. Written and directed by Mark Anthony Green, the film promises a unique experience with its “flashy pop horror” vibe, described as a “tense, psychosocial game of cat and mouse.”

In Opus, a young writer is invited to a remote compound belonging to a legendary pop star who mysteriously vanished three decades ago. As she navigates the eerie surroundings, she becomes entangled in the pop star’s cult of devoted followers and intoxicated journalists, ultimately finding herself at the heart of his disturbing scheme.

Edebiri plays Ariel, a “meek yet hungry” journalist whose charm and final-girl instincts make her a standout character. Malkovich portrays Moretti, the charismatic and unsettling pop star making a dramatic and sinister return. The film also features musical numbers, adding an intriguing layer to the horror.

The cast includes Amber Midthunder (Prey), Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets), Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus), Stephanie Suganami (Power Book II: Ghost), Young Mazino (Beef), and Tatanka Means (Killers of the Flower Moon).

With its blend of psychological tension, music, and a star-studded cast, Opus is shaping up to be one of the most exciting horror releases of 2025.