Nicole Kidman Enters Osgood Perkins' Mysterious 'The Young People' Horror

Hold onto your seats, horror fans: Oscar-winning icon Nicole Kidman is officially joining the intensely secretive new film The Young People from director Osgood Perkins. Just when we thought casting was complete, a massive name drops, instantly elevating anticipation to a whole new level.

TL;DR

• Nicole Kidman has joined the cast of Osgood Perkins' upcoming horror film, The Young People, which is already filming in Vancouver.
• She's part of an impressive ensemble that includes Lola Tung, Nico Parker, Tatiana Maslany, Heather Graham, and Johnny Knoxville.
• Plot details are largely under wraps, but hints point to school friends, "red flag behavior," and potentially Lovecraftian elements referencing "The Old Ones."

Imagine a film set so hush-hush that even with an Oscar-winning legend like Nicole Kidman signing on, details remain tighter than a drum. That's precisely the scenario unfolding with The Young People, the latest horror venture from director Osgood Perkins. Just when we thought the casting news for this mysterious project had wrapped, a major name dropped, instantly elevating anticipation to a whole new level.

Perkins' Rising Star: A Deep Dive into His Recent Success

Osgood Perkins has been on a remarkable run in the horror genre, quickly becoming a name to know for fans of atmospheric, unsettling tales. Starting with his feature debut The Blackcoat's Daughter in 2015, he’s consistently delivered unique visions.

His pace picked up significantly this year (2025), with Longlegs becoming 2024's highest-grossing independent film, impressively raking in $75 million domestically. Not long after, The Monkey hit theaters, securing Neon’s second-biggest opening weekend. And if that wasn't enough, his film Keeper is scheduled for release this Friday, November 14th, 2025. It’s clear Perkins is operating in maximum overdrive, cementing his status as a director to watch.

Unraveling the Enigmatic Plot of "The Young People"

Despite being currently in production in Vancouver, concrete plot details for The Young People are nearly nonexistent. What we do know, however, is tantalizingly vague and designed to pique curiosity.

Reports suggest the story centers on a pair of school friends, with one beginning to exhibit concerning "red flag behavior." Adding another layer of intrigue, an online glimpse of page 76 from Perkins' script included a direct reference to "The Old Ones," hinting strongly at a Lovecraftian influence. The film’s distributor, Neon, even teased the project on X (formerly Twitter) with the tagline, "A Bad Trip from Osgood Perkins." This pervasive secrecy only fuels the excitement, making every new detail a major event.

"I adore her and she is so funny and so lovable. And we're just having the best time together." — Nicole Kidman, on working with Sandra Bullock for Practical Magic 2 (Source: People magazine via Braidwood Times, November 12, 2025)

Oscar-Winner Nicole Kidman's Powerful Return to Horror

Nicole Kidman, a five-time Oscar nominee and Best Actress winner for The Hours, brings immense star power and dramatic weight to The Young People. While she's celebrated for a diverse filmography including musicals like Moulin Rouge! and prestigious dramas like Big Little Lies, Kidman is no stranger to the chilling depths of horror.

Her acclaimed performance in the 2001 box office hit The Others, which grossed over $210 million globally, showcased her ability to anchor a psychological thriller with intense vulnerability. Other genre-adjacent roles in films like Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut and the remake of The Stepford Wives further underline her comfort in unsettling narratives. Her presence here signals a significant vote of confidence in Perkins' unique vision and the burgeoning landscape of modern horror.

Full Cast List: Who Else is Joining "The Young People"?

Kidman joins an already impressive roster of talent that blends rising stars with established genre veterans, promising a rich ensemble for the film:

• Lola Tung (known for The Summer I Turned Pretty)
• Nico Parker (known for How to Train Your Dragon)
• Tatiana Maslany (known for Orphan Black and Perkins' The Monkey)
• Heather Graham (known for Suitable Flesh and Drugstore Cowboy)
• Johnny Knoxville (known for Jackass)
• Lexi Minetree (known for The Paramedic Who Stalked Me)
• Lily Collias (known for Good One)
• Brendan Hines (known for Lie to Me and The Tick)
• Cush Jumbo (known for The Good Wife)

The Thriving Perkins-Neon Partnership: A New Era for Horror

The Young People is the first project to emerge directly from a first-look deal that Neon signed with Perkins and his production banner, Phobos, earlier this year. Perkins launched Phobos with producing partner Chris Ferguson, establishing a dedicated home for his creative output.

Under this robust partnership, Neon will not only distribute Perkins' written and directed films theatrically in the U.S. and represent international rights, but also house films he produces for other filmmakers. This collaboration has already delivered critical and commercial successes like Longlegs and The Monkey, and with Keeper just days away, their strategy appears to be paying off handsomely. It creates a stable, supportive environment for Perkins to push the boundaries of horror consistently. Source: [Deadline, "Brendan Hines, Tatiana Maslany, Johnny Knoxville, Heather Graham & Others Join Osgood Perkins' 'The Young People' At Neon", November 10, 2025]

Nicole Kidman's Jam-Packed Schedule Beyond the Horror Genre

While The Young People adds an exciting horror title to her schedule, Nicole Kidman is exceptionally busy with several other high-profile projects across film and television. Her fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.

Viewers can anticipate her much-anticipated return as Gillian Owens alongside Sandra Bullock's Sally Owens in Practical Magic 2, which completed production in September 2025 and is slated for a September 18, 2026 release. She's also in post-production for Amazon's crime series Scarpetta, where she stars as Dr. Kay Scarpetta. Other upcoming roles include Apple TV+'s Margo's Got Money Trouble (expected 2026), a third season of HBO's critically acclaimed Big Little Lies (expected 2026, based on a new Liane Moriarty book), and two projects currently in pre-production: Girls and Their Horses and Discretion, the latter co-starring Elle Fanning. Kidman's dedication to diverse and challenging parts remains a hallmark of her illustrious career.

The Double-Edged Sword of Secrecy in Film Marketing

One inherent challenge with a project as tightly under wraps as The Young People is the delicate balance between building anticipation and risking audience alienation. While the mystery surrounding the plot and specific roles can undoubtedly create significant buzz and intrigue, too little information can sometimes lead to disengagement in a crowded entertainment market.

However, given Osgood Perkins' track record of delivering distinctive, critically acclaimed horror, and Neon's successful marketing of his previously mysterious films like Longlegs, this approach appears to be a calculated, rather than risky, move. For a director like Perkins, the intrigue itself often becomes a compelling selling point, drawing in viewers who appreciate the enigmatic.

Balancing Star Power with a Director's Unique Artistic Vision

While Nicole Kidman's immense star power will undoubtedly attract a wider, mainstream audience to The Young People, some purist horror fans might raise a curious eyebrow. The question arises: could such a prominent, Oscar-winning actor potentially overshadow Perkins' unique directorial voice? Will the film ultimately be perceived more as "a Nicole Kidman horror movie" rather than distinctly "an Osgood Perkins horror movie"?

This is a fair consideration, but Kidman's history of choosing complex, character-driven roles suggests she consistently aims to serve the story and the director's vision, rather than merely using her star status for a paycheck. Her decision to join a director like Perkins indicates a genuine belief in his artistic direction, and could, in fact, introduce his distinctive style to an entirely new, broader audience. It’s a compelling collaboration that could elevate both their profiles in the horror space.

Real-World Impact: How Star Casting Broadens Appeal

For example, imagine a group of friends discussing new movie releases. One of them, Sarah, a huge fan of atmospheric horror, excitedly mentions Osgood Perkins' upcoming Keeper. Her friend Mark, who usually prefers action films, shrugs. "Never heard of him," he says.

Then, Sarah adds, with a conspiratorial whisper, "But guess who's in his next movie, The Young People? Nicole Kidman!" Mark's eyes instantly widen. "Nicole Kidman? Seriously? Okay, now I'm paying attention. She doesn't just do anything." This scenario perfectly illustrates how a major star like Kidman can effectively bridge the gap between a niche director's loyal fanbase and a broader, more casual audience, expanding the film's reach significantly.

Practical Takeaways for Viewers

• Keep an eye out for initial teasers and trailers: With production underway and a major cast, more official glimpses of The Young People should emerge soon.
• Anticipate a unique horror experience: Osgood Perkins is known for his distinct, often Lovecraftian-tinged horror, which, combined with Kidman's dramatic prowess, promises something beyond typical jump scares.
• Mark your calendars for late 2026/early 2027: While no firm release date exists for The Young People, it's a strong contender for a fall 2026 slot, possibly around the same time as Practical Magic 2.
• Prepare for a stellar ensemble: Beyond Kidman, the cast includes rising stars and established actors, suggesting rich character work even amidst the horror.
• Trust the Neon brand: The distributor's success with Perkins' previous films indicates a commitment to quality and effective marketing in the horror space.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Young People

When will The Young People be released?

There’s no official release date yet, but with production currently underway, it’s generally expected to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027.

Where can I watch The Young People?

Neon is set to release the film theatrically in the U.S. and will handle international sales, so expect a cinema run first. Streaming details will likely follow later.

What is The Young People about?

Plot details are largely under wraps, but early hints from the production suggest it involves school friends, "red flag behavior," and a potential Lovecraftian influence with references to "The Old Ones."

Is The Young People part of a series?

No, it's an original standalone horror film from director Osgood Perkins, though it deepens his ongoing working relationship with distributor Neon.

Sources

• Arrow in the Head: "Nicole Kidman joins the cast of Osgood Perkins’ The Young People," Cody Hamman, (Posted 8 hours ago in the original context).
• Deadline: "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’ ‘The Young People’ Opposite Lola Tung & Nico Parker," Andreas Wiseman, November 10, 2025.
• ScreenRant: "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins' Upcoming Horror Movie The Young People," (Article referencing "8 hours ago" style update, no explicit author/date provided in snippet).
• Braidwood Times: "Nicole Kidman signs up for horror thriller," Australian Associated Press, November 12, 2025.
• FandomWire: "7 Upcoming Nicole Kidman Projects Fans Need to Watch Out For," Mahin Sultan, (No specific date in snippet, but context indicates recent publication).
• NEON (@neonrated): X post referencing "A Bad Trip from Osgood Perkins," August 28, 2025.