KJ Apa Shocks Fans in First Horror Role Faces Terror With Nadia Parkes

KJ Apa and British actress Nadia Parkes have been announced as the leads for a new horror feature titled *Obey*. The announcement came earlier this week, with Sony’s Screen Gems confirming it will handle distribution.

The project is a joint effort between Waypoint Entertainment and Spooky Pictures, both of which bring their distinct production pedigrees. Waypoint’s Cweature Features crew—Ken Kao, Josh Rosenbaum, and Emily Cheung—partner with Spooky's Steven Schneider, Roy Lee, and Simmy Wolf.

Screen Gems’ involvement follows the companies’ recent collaboration on Damian McCarthy’s *Hokum*, which Neon released earlier this year.

## Background & Context

Sophie Kargman, who directed the TIFF‑premiered genre‑bender *Susie Searches*, will direct *Obey*. Ryan Farhoudi wrote the screenplay, while Alex Lebovici serves as executive producer. The plot of *Obey* remains confidential, with producers keeping details under wraps.

The film is slated for production under Waypoint Entertainment’s Cweature Features and Spooky Pictures’ banner. Kaj Apa, known for his breakout role as Archie on *Riverdale*, recently starred in the romantic drama *The Map That Leads to You*, which topped Prime Video’s charts.

He is also slated to portray James Stewart in the upcoming biopic *Jimmy*. Parkes, a British talent, appeared opposite Spike Fearn in the rom‑com *Finding Emily* and led the BBC series *Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story*. Her next project is HBO’s *Youth*, premiering September 20.

Both actors are represented by multiple agencies; Apa by UTA, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Mandy Jacobsen, Red 11 Management and Jackoway Austen Tyerman; Parkes by Independent Talent Group, Range Media Partners and GGSSC.

Waypoint’s production slate also includes *Project Hail Mary* and *Cuckoo*, while Spooky Pictures has produced *River* and *4 X 4: The Event*. These films demonstrate each studio’s appetite for genre storytelling.

Waypoint Entertainment’s Cweature Features team—Ken Kao, Josh Rosenbaum and Emily Cheung—have previously worked on a of genre titles, bringing experience in both production design and narrative pacing.

Spooky Pictures’ core crew, Steven Schneider, Roy Lee and Simmy Wolf, have a track record of delivering commercially viable horror releases. Their combined expertise sets a solid foundation for *Obey*. Kargman is represented by Entertainment 360 and Jackoway Austen Tyerman, while Farhoudi works with Gersh, Iconoclast and Bloch Law.

Their representation reflects a blend of creative and commercial interests in the current market.

## What Happens Next

With Screen Gems handling distribution, *Obey* will join a growing list of horror features reaching audiences through the Sony‑owned label. The partnership follows a successful trajectory for both production houses and their new creative partner, Kargman.

While no release date has been announced, fans of Apa’s work can expect another genre shift following his recent romantic drama. Parkes’ horror debut follows her recent foray into dark comedy with *Everybody Wants to F*ck Me*. Production is underway, and further details are expected as the project moves closer to completion.

Once the film reaches post‑production, marketing plans are expected to reveal a release window.

## Analysis

Screen Gems, a Sony division known for distributing genre‑focused content, has a history of elevating emerging horror titles. Its involvement suggests confidence in *Obey*'s potential to reach both mainstream and niche audiences. The label’s distribution network is a valuable asset for the film’s commercial prospects.

The partnership between Waypoint and Spooky Pictures, now cemented with *Obey*, indicates a strategic push toward collaborative horror ventures. As the genre continues to thrive in streaming and theatrical markets, such alliances can streamline production and distribution pipelines.

Both actors are poised to expand their range as they navigate between film and television projects. Apa’s upcoming biopic *Jimmy* and his role in *White Elephant* position him within diverse storytelling formats, while Parkes’ appearance on HBO’s *Youth* aligns her with premium television.

The film’s release strategy remains unclear, but the collaboration signals a continued push by Waypoint and Spooky Pictures toward high‑profile horror projects within the industry.

As *Obey* moves through production, industry watchers will be watching how this new collaboration unfolds and whether it can carve out its own niche in the competitive horror landscape. Fans of both actors and genre enthusiasts are likely to keep a close eye on upcoming press releases.