You feel that itch? It means Lice is coming.
The horror-comedy has been acquired by Magenta Light Studios (Strange Darling, Deep Water) for a North American theatrical release in early 2027.
Described as The Breakfast Club meets Lord of the Flies, Lice stars Emile Hirsch (The Autopsy of Jane Doe), Justin Long (Barbarian), and Kevin Connolly (“Entourage”).
When a student’s terrifying breakdown shocks a classroom at a Long Island high school in the 1980s, an almost invisible parasite spreads through the halls, instantly twisting teens into maniacs. Locked inside with no escape, students and staff spiral into violence and hysteria.
Amid the chaos, Principal Van (Long) struggles to maintain control, drowning his anxiety in alcohol before losing his grip on reality – and his head. Burned-out science teacher Mr. Shanker (Hirsch) steps up as the only adult trying to make sense of the madness, uncovering traces of a government experiment gone wrong. Outside the quarantined halls, Detective Sikorski (Connolly) races to contain the outbreak before it consumes the entire town.
Jonathan Bensimon makes his feature directorial debut from a script by Anthony Musella and Shaun Harris.
Emilie Bierre (“Teacup”), Joelle Farrow (Here for Blood), Riley Davis (“Fire Country”), Tom Keat (Fear Street: Prom Queen), Annamarie Kasper (“Good Trouble”), Christian Meer (Fingernails), Cooper Levy (“Overcompensating”), Gage Munroe (Nobody), Devyn Nekoda (Scream VI), Sabrina Saudin (“The Boys“), and Milton Torres Lara (“Wayward”) round out the cast.
Connolly and Jeremy Alter (Inland Empire) produce via their ActionPark Productions. Magenta Light’s Bob Yari & David Spiegelman executive produce.
“We always wanted Lice to feel like a visceral, throwback thrill ride — something pulpy, unsettling, and darkly funny all at once,” said Bensimon. “Collaborating with this cast and creative team allowed us to push that tone in unexpected ways, balancing chaos with character. We also leaned into bold, tactile techniques to create a visual style that feels both nostalgic and immediate.”
He continues, “I’m especially excited to be partnering with Magenta Light Studios to bring the film to theaters — it’s the perfect home for this kind of daring, cinematic experience, and I can’t wait for audiences to see it on the big screen.”
“From the moment we read the script, Lice stood out as a bold, wildly original ride,” added Yari. “Jonathan Bensimon has crafted a film that’s as smart as it is unsettling, blending dark humor, suspense, and real emotional stakes. With this incredible cast, we believe it’s going to be a truly memorable theatrical experience, and we’re excited to bring it to audiences nationwide.”
