Frank Grillo will star in The Dagon – that’s right, no R –, The Machinist and Session 9 director Brad Anderson’s upcoming creature feature.

Peter Mattei (Outsiders) wrote the script, which centres on Jack (Grillo), a father looking to control his family’s isolated rural life. When his eldest daughter comes of age, the family must confront the Dagon – terrifying, deadly creatures that surround them every night.

“Frank Grillo is one of the most compelling and dynamic actors out there and I have been wanting to work with him for ages. The Dagon is tailor made for his huge talents and I couldn’t be happier to have him on board,” stated Anderson. “These days especially I think we need more movies like The Dagon – elevated dark stories that can transport you, horrify you, move you and, like all great fairy tales, work as both cautionary tales and beacons of hope.”

Neil Edelstein (Mulholland Drive, The Ring) and Mike Macari (David S. Goyer’s The Invisible) produce, reuniting with Anderson after having worked together on Fractured. “The Dagon is the movie we’ve been looking to find and make for years,” said Edelstein and Macari in a joint statement. “Reuniting with Brad and having Frank play the lead gives us the opportunity to make the best version of this riveting thriller.”

Filming on The Dagon is set to begin this autumn.