Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins' 'The Young People,' Marking a Chilling Genre Return

Oscar-winning powerhouse Nicole Kidman is officially stepping back into the eerie world of horror, joining director Osgood Perkins' much-anticipated film, The Young People.

TL;DR: The Latest Scoop on The Young People

• Nicole Kidman is Starring: The Oscar-winning actress joins Osgood Perkins' new horror film, marking her significant return to the genre after over two decades since The Others.
• Perkins' Hot Streak Continues: This is the fourth collaboration between director Osgood Perkins and indie distributor Neon, following the box office successes of Longlegs and The Monkey, and the upcoming Keeper.
• Star-Studded & Mysterious: Filming is underway in Vancouver with a cast including Lola Tung, Nico Parker, and Tatiana Maslany. Plot details are largely under wraps, but hint at a dark tale of a friendship gone wrong.

Imagine the hush on a Vancouver film set, then a ripple of excitement as a screen legend walks in. That's essentially what just happened with Osgood Perkins' next chilling project, The Young People. The news that Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman has joined the cast isn't just a big deal; it's a monumental moment for horror fans and a massive vote of confidence in one of the genre's most intriguing new voices.

This isn't just any casting announcement. It’s a compelling pairing: Kidman, known for her incredible versatility and dramatic depth, diving headfirst into the distinctive, unsettling style of Perkins. It promises a film that could truly redefine independent horror.

Osgood Perkins Continues His Unstoppable Rise as a Horror Visionary

If you've been paying attention to the indie horror scene, you've seen Osgood Perkins’ name pop up everywhere. He's not just directing; he’s building a unique brand of atmospheric, psychological terror. His partnership with Neon, the acclaimed distributor, has been a game-changer, fostering a creative environment that allows his distinct vision to flourish.

This collaboration with The Young People marks their fourth film together. Their track record is impressive: Longlegs, released in 2024, wasn't just a hit; it became the highest-grossing independent film of the year domestically, raking in $75 million. Globally, it pulled in almost $130 million on a modest $10 million budget. Source: [Variety, "Nicole Kidman Joins ‘The Young People’ From ‘Longlegs’ Director Osgood Perkins and Neon", Nov 10, 2025]. Then came The Monkey, which delivered Neon its second-biggest opening weekend ever, eventually reaching almost $70 million at the global box office. Source: [YVRShoots, "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’s THE YOUNG PEOPLE Filming in Vancouver", Nov 10, 2025].

Perkins' latest, Keeper, is set to hit theaters this Friday, November 14th, and it's already generating serious buzz. Horror luminaries like Guillermo del Toro praised it as "pure Perkins. Horror origami that skillfully folds into itself," while James Wan called it "a terrifying, ghostly descent into madness." These endorsements underscore Perkins' growing reputation for crafting films that are not only scary but also deeply resonant. This relentless pace—sometimes two films a year—shows a director operating at peak creative output, and major talent is taking notice.

Nicole Kidman's Powerful Return to the Realm of Psychological Thrills

For many, Nicole Kidman's name evokes sophisticated dramas, blockbusters, or award-winning television. Yet, her history with the horror genre runs deep and is incredibly impactful. Think back to 2001's The Others, where her portrayal of a mother battling supernatural forces in a shadowy English manor earned her critical acclaim and solidified the film as a modern classic. That movie alone amassed over $210 million globally at the box office. Source: [Variety, "Nicole Kidman Joins ‘The Young People’ From ‘Longlegs’ Director Osgood Perkins and Neon", Nov 10, 2025].

Her filmography also includes other unsettling works like Dead Calm, Eyes Wide Shut, Birth, and Stoker. However, this new role in The Young People is being highlighted as her first "strict horror movie" in 24 years, a significant full-circle moment for fans who remember her commanding presence in truly terrifying narratives. Source: [CBR, "Osgood Perkins Breaks Career Trend With Nicole Kidman's The Young People", Nov 10, 2025].

Kidman's decision to join The Young People is a testament to Perkins' growing appeal. An Oscar winner—she recently won Best Actress at the 2024 Venice Film Festival for Babygirl—lending her considerable star power to an independent horror project like this is a massive win for the genre. It signals that Perkins’ work is attracting not just rising stars, but also seasoned, respected veterans of the craft.

A Captivating Ensemble Cast Joins the Unsettling Narrative

Kidman isn't the only notable name bringing talent to The Young People. The film boasts an exciting cast already led by two promising young actors: Lola Tung, known for The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Nico Parker from How to Train Your Dragon. This blend of established star power and fresh faces suggests a dynamic onscreen chemistry.

The ensemble further expands with an intriguing mix of performers. We'll see Brendan Hines (The Tick), Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife), Heather Graham (Drugstore Cowboy), the always-unpredictable Johnny Knoxville (Jackass), Lexi Minetree (Elle), and Lily Collias (Good One). Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), a frequent collaborator with Perkins, is also part of the lineup, ensuring a familiar face for fans of the director’s previous work.

Whispers of a Dark Plot and the Filming Journey

True to Perkins' style, plot details for The Young People are being kept under wraps tighter than a secret diary. This deliberate secrecy builds anticipation, forcing audiences to project their own fears onto the minimal information provided. What we do know comes from tantalizing online reports: the film "centers on a couple of school friends, one of whom starts to develop red flag behavior." Some reports even get more specific, mentioning characters named Sue and Kitty, with the latter being "not what she seems" as their friendship takes a dark turn.

The production itself is a tangible reality. Filming officially began in Vancouver on October 20, 2025, and is scheduled to wrap up on December 12, 2025. Source: [YVRShoots, "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’s THE YOUNG PEOPLE Filming in Vancouver", Nov 10, 2025]. This timeline suggests that audiences can likely expect to see The Young People sometime in 2026, or possibly early 2027.

"This poorly kept secret is now officially out. Can’t believe we get to add Nicole Kidman to our already phenomenal cast."

— Chris Ferguson (@oddfellowsent), Producer for Phobos, via X (November 10, 2025)

Addressing the Unseen: Story Nuances and Scheduling Juggles

While the excitement around The Young People is palpable, the extreme secrecy surrounding its plot does present a limitation. Without concrete story beats, the film's appeal rests heavily on Osgood Perkins' established aesthetic and reputation for creating unsettling moods rather than a compelling narrative hook for those unfamiliar with his work. It’s a trade-off: the mystery builds anticipation for dedicated fans, but might make it harder to draw in casual moviegoers who prefer a clearer sense of what they're getting into.

Another interesting wrinkle is the potential scheduling dance for Nicole Kidman's other projects. While The Young People is eyeing a 2026 release, Kidman is also confirmed to return for Practical Magic 2, which has a specific release date of September 18, 2026. This could mean two major Nicole Kidman films hitting screens within a relatively short period. While their genres are distinct (fantasy drama versus horror), such proximity could potentially split audience attention, requiring careful marketing strategies to ensure both films find their respective audiences without overshadowing each other.

Mini-Story Example: A Fan's Anticipation

Sarah, a lifelong cinephile, remembers being genuinely terrified by The Others as a teenager. She appreciated how Nicole Kidman could convey so much dread with just a look. Years later, Sarah found herself drawn into the minimalist, unnerving world of Perkins' Longlegs, admiring its unique atmosphere. When the news broke about Kidman joining The Young People, it was like two of her favorite cinematic experiences were converging. "Finally," she thought, marking her mental calendar, "a chance to see that Kidman intensity paired with Perkins' psychological flair. This is going to be something truly special." The lack of plot details didn't deter her; in fact, the mystery only heightened her excitement, trusting the director to deliver his signature style with an iconic lead.

Why This Collaboration Marks a Significant Moment for Modern Horror

This isn't just another film; it’s a powerful validation of Osgood Perkins' unique vision and a bold move for Nicole Kidman. Her involvement signals that independent horror is not only thriving but also attracting the highest caliber of talent. Neon's consistent financial backing and distribution muscle means Perkins has the resources to fully realize his distinct, often challenging, cinematic experiences, bringing them to a wider theatrical audience.

For horror fans, it promises a fresh, star-powered take on unsettling narratives, potentially drawing in wider audiences who might not typically gravitate towards the genre's more experimental corners. It’s a chance to see a legendary actress push her boundaries in a genre she clearly excels in, under the guidance of a director who is rapidly becoming one of its most exciting auteurs. This collaboration could very well be one of the most talked-about horror releases of the coming years.

Practical Takeaways: What You Need to Know

• A Dream Team Forms: Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman is set to star in Osgood Perkins' The Young People, a major win for elevated horror cinema.
• Production Underway: Filming is actively happening in Vancouver and is expected to conclude by December 12, 2025.
• Anticipate a 2026 Release: Look out for The Young People to hit theaters sometime next year, though an exact date is still unconfirmed.
• A Story of Troubled Friendships: While specific plot details are scarce, the film will explore a dark turn in a school friendship, a classic setup for psychological dread.
• Experience Perkins Now: If you're eager for a taste of Perkins' style, his latest film, Keeper, is releasing in theaters this Friday, November 14.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Young People What is The Young People about?

Official plot details are still under wraps, but online reports suggest the film centers on a friendship between school friends, where one begins to exhibit unsettling "red flag behavior," leading to a dark turn. Characters named Sue and Kitty have been mentioned, with Kitty not being "what she seems."

When is The Young People expected to be released?

The film is currently eyeing a theatrical release sometime in 2026, though an exact date has not yet been announced.

Who else is in the cast of The Young People alongside Nicole Kidman?

The impressive ensemble cast includes Lola Tung, Nico Parker, Tatiana Maslany, Brendan Hines, Cush Jumbo, Heather Graham, Johnny Knoxville, Lexi Minetree, and Lily Collias.

What other films has Osgood Perkins directed?

Osgood Perkins is known for his unique horror style in films like Longlegs (2024's highest-grossing independent film domestically) and The Monkey. His latest film, Keeper, is set to release this Friday, November 14.

Sources

• Deadline. "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’ ‘The Young People’ At Neon." Andreas Wiseman, November 10, 2025.
• Variety. "Nicole Kidman Joins ‘The Young People’ From ‘Longlegs’ Director Osgood Perkins and Neon." Alex Ritman, November 10, 2025.
• ScreenRant. "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins' THE YOUNG PEOPLE, His Fourth Movie With Neon." November 10, 2025.
• YVRShoots. "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’s THE YOUNG PEOPLE Filming in Vancouver." Susan Gittins, November 10, 2025.
• FANGORIA. "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins' The Young People." Maggie Boccella, November 10, 2025.
• CBR. "Osgood Perkins Breaks Career Trend With Nicole Kidman's The Young People." November 10, 2025.
• Bleeding Cool. "Nicole Kidman Joins The Next Osgood Perkins Film The Young People." Jeremy Konrad, November 10, 2025.
• World of Reel. "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’ ‘The Young People’." Jordan Ruimy, November 10, 2025.
• Just Jared. "Nicole Kidman to Star in Osgood Perkins' Next Horror Film 'The Young People'." JJ Staff, November 10, 2025.