Epic Pictures and its genre-focused label Dread have officially announced nationwide theatrical release plans for Shudder’s The Mortuary Assistant, the highly anticipated feature film adaptation of the cult-favorite horror video game created by Brian Clarke. The film will open in theaters across the United States on February 13, 2026, before making its streaming debut on Shudder on March 27, 2026.

Directed by Jeremiah Kipp (Slapface), The Mortuary Assistant stars Willa Holland (Arrow) and Paul Sparks (Boardwalk Empire). The film brings to life one of gaming’s most unnerving horror experiences, expanding its mythology while staying true to the dread-filled atmosphere that made the original game a viral sensation.

From Viral Horror Game to Feature Film

Originally released in 2022 on PC, The Mortuary Assistant quickly gained a devoted fanbase thanks to its claustrophobic setting, psychological terror, and unpredictable demonic encounters. The game later expanded to Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, cementing its reputation as a modern horror classic. The film adaptation builds on the game’s world, diving deeper into the lore of the demonic forces haunting River Fields.

The story follows Rebecca Owens (Holland), a newly certified mortician who takes a night shift job embalming bodies alone at a remote mortuary. As the night unfolds, disturbing supernatural events begin to escalate. Rebecca uncovers evidence of demonic rituals, dark secrets surrounding her mentor Raymond Delver (Sparks), and her own buried trauma, all while racing to survive before becoming a vessel for possession.

A Faithful and Immersive Horror Adaptation

Epic Pictures CEO and producer Patrick Ewald emphasized that The Mortuary Assistant is designed as an authentic adaptation, recreating River Fields Mortuary as a fully practical set to preserve its oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere. Writer and game creator Brian Clarke, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Tracee Beebe, echoed that sentiment, calling the film a unique crossover that bridges horror gaming fans and genre film audiences.

Produced by Epic Pictures’ Dread label alongside Traverse Media and Jacob P. Heineke, the film continues Dread’s tradition of boundary-pushing horror, following the company’s success with titles like Terrifier.

With The Mortuary Assistant, Shudder adds another highly anticipated title to its growing slate of critically acclaimed horror films and series. Known for championing bold, filmmaker-driven genre work, Shudder remains a leading destination for horror fans worldwide.

For fans of the game and lovers of atmospheric, psychological horror, The Mortuary Assistant is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about horror releases of 2026.