‘Dead of Night’ Starring Dermot Mulroney Lands November Theatrical Release Through Level 33 Entertainment
Chris Jericho executive produces the upcoming indie horror-thriller from director Derek Sulek, inspired in part by the terror of Los Angeles' Night Stalker era.
By Seth Metoyer | More Horror
Independent horror-thriller Dead of Night has found its theatrical home. Level 33 Entertainment has acquired the film for distribution in the United States and Canada, with a theatrical release planned for November 13, 2026.
Directed by Derek Sulek, the film features an ensemble cast led by Dermot Mulroney (Scream VI, My Best Friend's Wedding), Scott Grimes (Ted, Oppenheimer), Jake Busey (Stranger Things), and Kirrilee Berger (Unsung Hero). Professional wrestling legend, Fozzy frontman, and actor Chris Jericho, whose horror credits include Terrifier 2 and Terrifier 3, serves as an executive producer.
The story unfolds in the seemingly quiet town of Elmwood Heights, where the discovery of a teenage girl's savagely mutilated body sends shockwaves through the community. As additional murders follow, newly elected Mayor Alex Camacho scrambles to establish a neighborhood watch in hopes of restoring some sense of security.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Weaver (Mulroney) finds himself racing to identify the killer as paranoia spreads throughout the town. His daughter Kelly (Berger), convinced there is something more sinister behind the murders, begins investigating the killer's motives herself. Her obsession with uncovering the truth could place her directly in the path of whoever is terrorizing Elmwood Heights.
Although the film presents a fictional mystery, its inspiration comes from a very real chapter of Los Angeles history. The creative team drew partly from the atmosphere of fear surrounding the Night Stalker murders of the 1980s, when serial killer Richard Ramirez terrorized Southern California.
That historical influence also informed the decision to shoot the production in Los Angeles.
"Dead of Night was inspired in part by the fear that gripped Los Angeles during the Night Stalker era, so making the film here gave it an authenticity we couldn't manufacture somewhere else,"
the creative team explained in a statement. "We're incredibly proud of the local cast and crew who brought it to life and are excited to now bring an independent, LA-made horror film to audiences across the country."
The film's acquisition represents another theatrical release for Level 33 Entertainment, which specializes in bringing independent films to audiences through theatrical, home entertainment, digital, and streaming distribution.
"We are truly excited to be working with the talented team at Fade to Black Films and can’t wait to share this edge-of-your-seat thriller with theatrical audiences across the US and Canada this November," said Level 33 President and CEO Andreas Olavarria.
Sulek directed Dead of Night from a screenplay he co-wrote with Eric Durham. Oren Kamara, Sulek, and Dan Sheldon produced the film, with Jijo Reed serving as co-producer. Executive producers include Jericho, Grimes, Ann Koch, Doug Johnson, and Matthew Ballard.
Production took place in Los Angeles through Fade to Black Films in association with ZMA Films. Gato Scatena of Scatena & Rosner Films negotiated the distribution agreement on behalf of the filmmakers, with Olavarria and Taryn Procsal representing Level 33 Entertainment.
With its small-town murder mystery, escalating paranoia, and real-world true-crime influences, Dead of Night looks to tap into the kind of dread that grows when an entire community begins wondering who might be responsible for the violence unfolding around them.
Dead of Night is scheduled to arrive in U.S. and Canadian theaters on November 13, 2026.
Watch the official teaser trailer:
For additional information, visit DeadOfNightMovie.com and follow Fade to Black Films on Instagram.
