Deadline just broke the news: Our true-crime suspense-thriller, THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN, will be released in theaters nationwide later this year by Relativity Media.

Legion M produced the film in partnership with Garrison Film. The movie is based on actual events that occurred in the 1970’s and tells the “origin story” of the terrifying trope we all know today.

Directed by Warren Skeels, and starring Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Stranger Things), Ali Larter (ABC’s The Rookie, Final Destination), Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2) Brec Bassinger (Stargirl), Gavin Warren (Night Swim) and Skai Jackson (Jessie), THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN delves into the harrowing experiences of Annie Williams, a spirited family girl, whose carefree existence is turned upside down as she finds herself stalked by an ominous man in a white van. Prone to exaggeration, her parent’s disbelief in her tales of being followed leads to a terrifying Halloween nightmare.

Below you can read the complete press release, which just hit the wire:

RELATIVITY MEDIA ACQUIRES “THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN” FOR NORTH AMERICAN THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION FROM GARRISON FILM AND LEGION M

The Inspired by True Events Suspense-Thriller Film Will Receive a Wide Theatrical Release This Fall

Los Angeles, CA - July 11, 2024 - It was announced today that Relativity Media has acquired Warren Skeels’ thriller The Man in the White Van for a wide theatrical release from Garrison Film and the fan-owned entertainment company, Legion M. 

Starring Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Stranger Things), Ali Larter (ABC’s The Rookie, Final Destination), Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2) Brec Bassinger (CW’s Stargirl), Gavin Warren (Night Swim) and Skai Jackson (Jessie), The Man in the White Van delves into the harrowing experiences of Annie Williams (Wolfe), a spirited family girl, whose carefree existence is turned upside down as she finds herself stalked by an ominous man in a white van. Prone to exaggeration, her parent’s disbelief in her tales of being followed leads to a terrifying Halloween nightmare.

“The Man in the White Van is a flat-out frightening story with an incredible ensemble cast, and the teams behind it have produced a film that’s both visceral and topical,” said Michael Arrieta, Chief Operating Officer at Relativity Media. “Watching this in a crowded theater is truly the best way for viewers to experience this tension-packed thrill ride as realized by Warren and his talented crew.”

"I'm thrilled to partner with Relativity Media to bring this important story to the screen," said writer / director Warren Skeels. "I love this cast and crew. Together we have taken great care to ensure that this narrative is told with respect for those who experienced these horrific events firsthand. Our aim is to shine a light on a dark time in the 1970s and the extraordinary story of one girl’s unimaginable ordeal with a serial killer."

“We are beyond excited to team up with Relativity to bring this film to theaters nationwide, where every suspense-filled moment and heart-pounding scare is magnified by the collective experience,” said Legion M co-founder and CEO, Paul Scanlan. “Our Legion M community craves theatrical experiences and this film delivers on all fronts.”

“Relativity’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional cinematic experiences aligns perfectly with our vision for this chilling thriller,” said executive producer Gary Kompothecras, founder of Garrison Film. “I can’t wait for audiences to experience this film on the big screen.”

The narrative feature debut of director Warren Skeels, The Man in the White Van is a gripping exploration of fear, paranoia and the fragility of security in a place where darkness lurks beneath the surface. Based on a series of true crimes that shook the nation in the 1970s, the film captures a bone-chilling story of a young girl's unimaginable horrors, and every parent's worst nightmare. The very events at the heart of this film forever cemented unmarked cargo vans as an iconic vessel of terror for young people everywhere, echoing warnings across decades to stay away from the archetype of “the man in the white van.”

Michael Nole, President at Garrison Film, commented, “Following a standout year for horror/thrillers, highlighted by the sale of 75 million tickets, the release of 46 films, and a domestic gross of $798 million in the genre according to Bloomberg, The Man in the White Van looks to extend the influence and success as audiences continue coming back to theaters.”

In anticipation of the theatrical release, the filmmakers will host a curated panel with cast attending at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. 

Terri Lubaroff (p.g.a), Anne Marie Gillen (p.g.a), Warren Skeels (p.g.a), Michael Nole, and Paul Scanlan produced the film. Executive produced by Gary Kompothecras, Lawrence Najem, Jeff Annison, David Baxter, Sean Astin, Ali Larter, Michael Arrieta, Marc Danon, Lex Miron, and David Robbins. The deal was negotiated by Paul Scanlan of Legion M and Michael Nole of Garrison Film.