Dallas Jackson Takes the Lead on 20th Century Studios’ Urban Horror ‘The Zone’

Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) quietly expanded its empire earlier this year with the launch of TDE Films, and their first project out of the gate is the urban action-horror The Zone. Deadline first reported that the feature will be directed by Dallas Jackson, working from a script by genre heavyweight David Hayter (X-Men, Watchmen).

Jackson has recently been teasing his prep work on Instagram, hinting at some impressive practical effects as cameras get ready to roll. Story details are being kept tightly under wraps, though the film is described as a high-concept horror piece with a sci-fi edge.

20th Century Studios acquired the project, and the film may also bring in legendary SFX artist Alec Gillis, known for his creature work on the Predator franchise. Jackson’s photos from a visit to the 20th Century Studios lot strongly suggest production is gearing up for a 2026 release window.

“Making movies is all about team building! Getting locked in for 2026,” Jackson wrote in a recent post.

A deeper look through Jackson’s Instagram stories provides even more breadcrumbs: a still from The Thing, plus a comic-style piece of concept art for The Zone that leans heavily into grotesque, transformation-driven body horror. If Jackson is channeling Carpenter mixed with Hayter’s genre pedigree—and possibly Gillis crafting creatures—The Zone is shaping up to be a must-watch.

Jackson previously wrote and directed Thriller (2018) for Blumhouse/Netflix.

Founded in 2004 by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Top Dawg Entertainment remains a powerhouse in Hip-Hop and R&B, launching the careers of artists including Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, SZA, Isaiah Rashad, SiR, Doechii, and Ray Vaughn.

Stay tuned for more updates on The Zone as production gets underway.

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