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Union battles vampires in a New Orleans church—can she survive?

By GoNews Pulse Editorial Team••Updated Oct 5, 2026
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Union battles vampires in a New Orleans church—can she survive?

Gabrielle Union heads the supernatural horror‑thriller *Casket Girls*, a film that drops the spotlight on a pair of detectives in a haunted New Orleans setting.

The story follows Union’s character, Detective Shay Williams, and her partner Galpin as they investigate a child’s eerie encounter and unintentionally unleash the infamous “Casket Girls.” The vampires emerge from beneath an ancient church, trapping the duo and a group of survivors who must outwit the bloodthirsty foes before they’re picked off one by one.

The film’s U.S. distribution rights were recently secured by Aura Entertainment. Internationally, the picture is being sold through Capture at the Toronto International Film Festival market, positioning it for a global audience.

Directed by Justin G. Dyck—known for his work on *Creepshow*—the production is handled by QC Entertainment, a company that previously backed Jordan Peele’s Oscar‑winning *Get Out* and Spike Lee’s *BlacKkKlansman.* In addition to Union and Colter, the cast includes Raúl Castillo, Matt Frewer, and Thomas Lennon.

The screenplay originated with writers Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant, who were later revised by Keith Cooper and Dyck himself. Production credits feature Sean McKittrick and Raymond Mansfield for QC Entertainment, while Gabrielle Union, Edward H. Hamm Jr., and Jameson Parker serve as executive producers.

## Background & Context

Justin G. Dyck, the director, first gained attention with the cult horror anthology *Creepshow.* His approach blends dark humor with classic supernatural tropes, a style evident in the script’s pacing and visual design.

QC Entertainment’s portfolio includes high‑profile projects such as *Get Out* and *BlacKkKlansman,* signaling a willingness to invest in genre‑blending narratives that push social boundaries. Their involvement underscores QC’s commitment to genre projects that blend sharp social commentary with entertainment value.

The cast brings experience from both mainstream and indie circuits, with Raúl Castillo known for his work in *The Walking Dead* and Thomas Lennon’s comedic background complementing the film’s horror elements.

## Distribution & Release

Aura Entertainment, which recently acquired the U.S. rights, is building a slate that includes titles such as *Code 3,* *K‑Pops!* and *Trap House.* These films span horror, comedy, and drama genres.

Recent releases on Aura’s schedule include *Icefall* and *Hungry,* while upcoming projects feature *The Beast,* positioning the company to cater to diverse audience tastes.

Through Capture’s sale at TIFF, *Casket Girls* is set to reach international markets, offering distributors a horror narrative with a strong star lead and seasoned production backing.

With a blend of supernatural thrills and seasoned talent, *Casket Girls* represents a fresh entry into the horror market, poised to captivate audiences both domestically and abroad.

Why It Matters

The announcement of 'Casket Girls' underscores a resurgence of star‑led horror in 2024, positioning Gabrielle Union as a trailblazing lead who defies gendered expectations in genre cinema. Her pairing with veteran actor Mike Colter amplifies the film’s credibility, while QC Entertainment’s involvement signals continued investment in socially conscious horror narratives, following their successes with Get Out and BlacKkKlansman. The New Orleans setting offers a rich supernatural folklore, providing a fresh backdrop beyond the usual urban or rural scream scenes. By securing U.S. distribution rights through Aura Entertainment, the movie aligns with a slate that spans horror, comedy, and drama, broadening its appeal to diverse audience segments. International sales via Capture at TIFF further illustrate the film’s commercial viability and readiness for global markets. For fans of genre‑blending stories, 'Casket Girls' promises a mix of dark humor, atmospheric tension, and social commentary—a formula that has proven effective in recent horror hits. Union’s presence may attract a broader demographic, potentially expanding horror’s fan base beyond traditional male viewers. Industry observers will watch the film’s performance closely to gauge whether this new wave of female‑led horror can sustain momentum and influence future production decisions. Additionally, the involvement of writers Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant, both known for their comedic chops, suggests a tonal balance that could differentiate the film in a crowded market. The collaborative rewrites by Dyck and Keith Cooper further refine the script’s pacing, ensuring that scares and laughs interweave seamlessly. As audiences increasingly demand representation and fresh storytelling, 'Casket Girls' may set a benchmark for integrating strong female leads with traditional horror elements, potentially reshaping expectations for upcoming projects.

Our Take

From an editorial standpoint, 'Casket Girls' represents a promising pivot in contemporary horror. Gabrielle Union’s decision to lead a supernatural thriller signals that the genre is becoming more inclusive, and her chemistry with Mike Colter could anchor the film’s emotional stakes. QC Entertainment’s endorsement carries weight; their portfolio demonstrates a willingness to back projects that marry horror with poignant social themes, a strategy that has paid dividends with past successes. The New Orleans backdrop offers atmospheric richness, promising moody cinematography and a unique cultural texture. While the premise of vampires emerging from an ancient church is familiar, the narrative’s focus on detective work provides a procedural edge that could broaden its appeal beyond genre purists. Distribution through Aura and Capture ensures the film reaches both domestic and international audiences, increasing its chances for commercial impact. Ultimately, if 'Casket Girls' delivers on suspense, character depth, and thoughtful social commentary, it could become a benchmark for future female‑led horror projects and signal to studios that diverse talent can drive box‑office success.

GoNews Pulse Editorial Team

This article was prepared for publication by GoNews Pulse and checked for publication requirements under our editorial standards. We review available information and correct material errors when they are identified.

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Union and Colter hunt vampires emerging from a hidden New Orleans church, but an ancient curse threatens to turn them against each other.
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Related topics

  • #Gabrielle Union
  • #Mike Colter
  • #Casket Girls

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