Michael Shannon to Enter ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’ Remake from ‘As Above, So Below’ Team!
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari didn’t become Nicolas Cage’s favorite film in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent for nothing. Robert Wiene‘s 1920 German expressionist classic has haunted audiences for over a century and inspired countless horror films. And today, we’ve learned from Variety that Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water) has signed on to star in a new remake from John Erick Dowdle, the director of As Above, So Below!
In this new version, Shannon stars as the titular villain, Doctor Caligari, a traveling mesmerist who journeys from town to town with a sleepwalker under his control, leaving a trail of grisly murders in their wake. When a young woman’s boyfriend disappears mysteriously, she believes that the enigmatic Caligari is somehow responsible. The problem is — nobody believes her.
The “contemporary reimagining” has been titled Doctor Caligari’s Cabinet of Wonders and will be directed by John Erick Dowdle from his own screenplay, alongside his brother and producing partner Drew Dowdle.
Said John Erick Dowdle, “Having worked with Michael Shannon on multiple projects, my brother and I have seen firsthand the unnerving intensity he can bring to even the simplest moments. The idea of seeing him play the horrifying Doctor Caligari became an obsession for us. The trust and creative shorthand we’ve built together will allow us to push deeper and bolder as we reimagine this iconic German Expressionist classic for a modern audience. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this nightmare to life with him.”
As Above, So Below remains a personal favorite in the found footage genre amongst horror fans, so I have no doubt the Dowdle’s will be delivering a terrifying take on Wiene’s iconic film.
Anton is fully financing the film and handling worldwide rights at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin.
Producing for Anton are Sébastien Raybaud and Brandt Wrightsman, alongside Drew Dowdle for Brothers Dowdle Productions, and Stuart Manashil.
Principal photography is set to begin in June 2026.
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