Paul Dano in Talks to Join Parker Finn’s ‘Possession’ Remake

If you are wondering about the status of Parker Finn’s “Possession” remake, we have another major update. First off, there have been casting grids going around for this one, indicating a July shoot.

Now here’s Nexus Point News, who were the first to scoop on Callum Turner and Margaret Qualley being cast as the married couple, reporting that none other than Paul Dano is in talks to join the cast.

What role could Dano possibly play? I’m thinking maybe the detective, originally portrayed by Carl Duering. Just a guess.

Parker Finn, known for both “Smile” movies, has penned the script and will be directing as well. Back in July 2024, a bidding war had occurred over this project between numerous studios, including A24, Netflix, Warner Bros., Sony, and Paramount—the latter ultimately won out.

Set in West Berlin, “Possession” starred Sam Neill as a spy who returns home to his wife (Isabelle Adjani), only to learn that she is having an affair. She asks for a divorce; he hires a private investigator, and that leads the story into a nightmarish descent into utter, surreal hell.

This was Żuławski’s grueling meditation on marriage, written as a reaction to his own, which was also in its final days. “Possession” received very mixed reviews upon release but has since been reappraised as a classic—and for good reason. You’ve never seen a film quite like this one.

Finn’s surprise horror hit was 2022’s “Smile,” and it really came out of nowhere. It was his feature-length debut and grossed $217M worldwide on a skimpy $17M budget. Critical response was fairly positive as well, but the sequel (“Smile 2”) was much better and much riskier—a film that got me excited for whatever he does next. Turns out, it’ll be “Possession.”

Dano is best known as Quentin Tarantino’s favorite actor, and for his acclaimed work in films such as “Little Miss Sunshine,” “There Will Be Blood,” “The Fabelmans,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Prisoners,” and “The Batman.” He earned a Golden Globe nomination for portraying Brian Wilson in “Love & Mercy,” and for his TV work on “Escape at Dannemora” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”