Leonardo DiCaprio-Produced Thriller ‘Sleepwalker’ with Hayden Panettiere Sets January Release

While it’s unclear if Hayden Panettiere if will return in Scream 7, we now know she’ll next be seen in the psychological thriller Sleepwalker.

Deadline has learned that Brainstorm Media has acquired the North American rights to the film, setting a day-and-date theatrical release for January 9, 2026.

It follows an accomplished artist who is haunted by the tragic loss of her daughter in a car accident that left her abusive husband in a coma. As she battles a surreal descent into darkness, her sleepwalking episodes intensify.

Plagued by haunting visions of her husband inside their home, she grapples with the blurred lines between reality and nightmare.

Leonardo DiCaprio‘s Appian Way produces alongside Verdi Productions (Silence).

Brandon Auman makes his feature directorial debut from his own script, based on his 2024 short film.

Beverly D’Angelo (Vacation), Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds), Mischa Barton (The Sixth Sense), Lori Tan Chinn (“Orange Is the New Black”), and Kea Ho round out the cast.

“Brainstorm’s enthusiasm and strategic marketing plan made them a top contender for domestic distribution,” said Verdi Productions president Chad A. Verdi. “Hayden’s emotionally charged performance as a grieving mother is gripping, and we’re looking forward to the world seeing her thrive in this new and exciting chapter in her accomplished career.”

We’re excited to be working with Verdi Production on another great film,” added Brainstorm Media CEO Michelle Shwarzstein. “We can’t wait to bring this taut psychological thriller to audiences early next year.”

Auman’s writing credits include episodes of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2012), “Star Wars: Resistance,” “Blade Runner: Black Lotus,” “The Legend of Vox Machina,” and “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour.”