‘What Happened to Dorothy Bell?’ Set for October Release

Dark Star Pictures has acquired U.S. distribution rights to What Happened to Dorothy Bell?, a found footage horror film written and directed by Danny Villanueva Jr. The film is slated for release in October 2025.

The story centers on Ozzie Gray (Asya Meadows), a young woman grappling with her mental health who begins unraveling the mystery behind a violent childhood event—when her grandmother, Dorothy Bell, attacked her without explanation. Her search for answers leads her back to a haunted hometown library tied to a chilling urban legend and an ominous supernatural force.

The cast includes Lisa Wilcox (A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 & 5), Michael Hargrove (Candyman), Steven Alonte (The Cathedral), Sargon Odicho, Arlene Arnone, Yera Constable, and J. Anthony Ramos.

“Dorothy Bell is a bold and unsettling vision that pushes the boundaries of found footage horror,” said Dark Star president Michael Repsch. “Danny Villanueva Jr. masterfully blends psychological depth with supernatural terror.”

Villanueva added, “I’ve always been obsessed with ghost stories. Found footage felt like the perfect medium to explore the paranormal in a grounded, realistic way.”

Premiering at Fantastic Fest last year, the film was produced under Villanueva’s indie banner How Bizarre Pictures, with Villanueva also serving as editor and producer. Tim Shircel executive produced, Michael Thomas Determan was cinematographer and co-producer, and production design was handled by Jody Sekas.

A trailer is expected to debut soon.