Hayden Panettiere has a new thriller on deck, and now it actually has a home and a date. Brainstorm Media has picked up North American rights to the psychological chiller 'Sleepwalker' and is planning a day-and-date release on January 9, 2026. Translation: theaters and at-home on the same day. Yes, 2026. Deep breath.
The setup
Panettiere plays an accomplished artist and grieving mother trying to survive the unthinkable: her daughter was killed in a car crash that also left her abusive husband in a coma. While she tries to put her life back together, her sleepwalking starts to spike, and she keeps seeing her husband inside their house. Is he actually there? Is any of this real? The film leans hard into that reality-vs-nightmare blur.
Who is steering this
'Sleepwalker' is written and directed by Brandon Auman, and it is his first feature as a director. If the name rings a bell, you probably know his writing from a long run in animation: The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Iron Man: Armored Adventures, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Wars: Resistance, and Blade Runner: Black Lotus, among others. Jumping from animated action sagas to a live-action psychological thriller is a fun pivot, and I am curious to see how that sensibility translates.
The cast
Along with Panettiere, the ensemble includes Justin Chatwin (Shameless), Beverly D'Angelo (Violent Night), Mischa Barton (The OC), Lori Tan Chinn (Orange Is the New Black), Kea Ho (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For), Eric Lutes (Caroline in the City), Tom DeNucci (Junction), Rob Goon (The Roaring Game), plus newcomers Laird LaCoste and Corinne Sweeney.
Behind the scenes
The film comes from Verdi Productions and Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions. Producers are Chad A. Verdi, Jennifer Davisson, Phillip Watson, Michelle Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr., and Paul Luba, with Taylor DiGilio, Sera Verdi, and Anthony Gudas serving as executive producers. Production wrapped earlier this year, so the movie is already in the can.
Release plan
Brainstorm Media will handle the North American rollout with a day-and-date launch on January 9, 2026. If you do not live in distribution-land, day-and-date means the movie hits theaters and on-demand simultaneously, which can be a smart move for smaller thrillers that play well at home.
'Brainstorm's enthusiasm and strategic marketing plan made them a top contender for domestic distribution. 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.'
Brainstorm Media CEO Michelle Shwarzstein echoed that, saying they are excited to team with Verdi Productions again and to get this taut psychological thriller in front of audiences early in 2026.
Panettiere diving into a grief spiral with a sleepwalking twist sounds like strong January counterprogramming. We have a bit of a wait, but at least the date is locked.