Milo Hutton, Booboo Stewart, and KaDee Strickland Cast in Psychological Horror Thriller The Thing in the Hall
Production is officially underway in Los Angeles for the psychological horror thriller The Thing in the Hall, a new independent feature film that has recently bolstered its cast with the additions of Milo Hutton, Booboo Stewart, and KaDee Strickland. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the project, which is inspired by the classic supernatural short story by renowned English author E.F. Benson. The film serves as the feature-length directorial and screenwriting debut of Logan Kishi, a 22-year-old Los Angeles native and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) alumnus who has previously directed at least seven short films.
The narrative of The Thing in the Hall centers on Francis Assheton, portrayed by Booboo Stewart, a dedicated psychology graduate student who decides to relocate to the remote and isolated home of his longtime friend, Louis Fielder, played by Milo Hutton. What begins as a convenient living arrangement and a reunion between old friends quickly devolves into a harrowing descent into the unknown. When Louis introduces Francis to his unorthodox and dangerous experiments in spiritualism, their intellectual curiosity gives way to forces far beyond their comprehension. The psychological boundary between scientific inquiry and supernatural terror blurs, leading inexorably toward a fatal incident that forms the core mystery of the film.
Adding a layer of legal and investigative tension to the narrative is KaDee Strickland, who stars as Claire Winter. Claire is a defense attorney tasked with unravelling the chaotic and terrifying truth behind Francis’s frantic account of the fatal incident. As she delves deeper into the case, the lines between psychological breakdown, supernatural intervention, and cold reality become increasingly indistinguishable.
The Independent Production Landscape and Darkbox Entertainment
The Thing in the Hall is being produced under the banner of Darkbox Entertainment, the production company spearheaded by Logan Kishi. The indie feature represents a growing trend of young, formally trained filmmakers utilizing localized production hubs in Los Angeles to bring elevated genre concepts to the screen. By drawing inspiration from early 20th-century ghost stories and gothic literature—such as the works of E.F. Benson—the production aims to bridge the gap between classic literary horror and modern psychological thrillers.
Independent filmmaking in Los Angeles has experienced a dynamic evolution over the past decade, driven by advances in digital cinematography and shifting distribution models. For a debut feature director like Kishi, securing established talent with extensive television and feature film credits is a vital step in navigating the competitive independent market. The inclusion of actors with built-in fanbases from major franchises significantly enhances the commercial viability of the project, increasing its prospects for domestic and international distribution upon completion.
Cast Backgrounds and Career Trajectories
The newly announced principal cast brings a wealth of experience across television, film, and major studio franchises, providing a strong anchor for the indie production.
Milo Hutton, who takes on the role of Louis Fielder, is a recent graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design. Hutton has been steadily building momentum in the industry, most recently appearing in Netflix’s hit political thriller series The Night Agent. In addition to his role in The Thing in the Hall, Hutton is slated to appear in the upcoming indie drama Degrees, directed by Jackson May. He is represented by Untitled Entertainment.
Booboo Stewart, cast as psychology student Francis Assheton, possesses extensive experience in high-profile studio franchises. Stewart is widely recognized by global audiences for his role as Seth Clearwater in the wildly successful Twilight franchise, as well as his work in Disney’s Descendants series. His television credits also include a notable stint on Freeform’s acclaimed drama series Good Trouble. Stewart’s involvement brings a proven track record in both ensemble casts and genre-adjacent storytelling. He is represented by Sovereign Talent Group and TSC Entertainment.
KaDee Strickland rounds out the principal trio as defense attorney Claire Winter. Strickland brings decades of television and film experience to the set. She is perhaps best known for her memorable television roles, including Dr. Charlotte King on the hit ABC medical drama Private Practice, as well as appearances in NBC’s Chicago Fire and Freeform’s Cruel Summer. Her feature film resume features prominent credits in major studio releases such as Ridley Scott’s American Gangster, The Stepford Wives, and Something’s Gotta Give. Strickland is represented by Artium Talent, Mainstay Entertainment, and Meyer & Downs.
Director Logan Kishi and the Path to the Feature Debut
At just 22 years of age, Logan Kishi represents a new generation of filmmakers transitioning from short-form digital content to commercial feature films. An L.A. native, Kishi honed his craft by directing at least seven short films prior to tackling The Thing in the Hall, developing a visual style suited for atmospheric tension and genre storytelling. His educational background at SCAD provided a rigorous foundation in narrative structure and cinematic arts. Kishi is represented by Osbrink Talent Agency.
The decision to adapt an E.F. Benson story reflects a growing appetite in contemporary horror for cerebral, slow-burn narratives rooted in classic literature. Benson, a contemporary of M.R. James, was renowned for his chilling ghost stories and tales of psychological dread. Translating such source material into a modern feature requires a careful balance of psychological realism and supernatural terror, a challenge Kishi has embraced for his debut.
Broader Implications for the Psychological Horror Genre
The production of The Thing in the Hall arrives at a time when psychological horror and elevated thrillers continue to dominate both box office returns and streaming metrics. Audiences have shown an increasing appetite for narratives that explore the fragility of the human mind, the consequences of grief or guilt, and the intrusion of the occult into mundane environments.
By focusing on a tight, character-driven narrative involving a small principal cast, Kishi’s film is positioned to maximize its atmospheric tension. The dynamic between Hutton’s character—who eagerly delves into spiritualism—and Stewart’s skeptical yet drawn-in student provides a rich interpersonal framework for psychological deterioration. Strickland’s investigative framing device further grounds the supernatural elements in a procedural reality, inviting audiences to piece together the truth alongside the defense attorney.
As principal photography continues across Los Angeles, industry observers and horror enthusiasts alike will be keeping a close eye on The Thing in the Hall. With a talented cast bridging the worlds of studio franchises, streaming hits, and prestige television, combined with a fresh directorial voice at the helm, the project stands out as one of the more intriguing independent horror features currently in production. Further announcements regarding distribution, release timelines, and first-look imagery are expected as production progresses.
