Stanfield Exits Molepeople as Wheatley Takes Over

LaKeith Stanfield has exited Paramount’s horror film Molepeople, and Ben Wheatley is taking over as director after Rob Savage left the project, according to reports about the personnel changes. Savage’s departure was attributed to scheduling conflicts. The reason for Stanfield’s exit has not been disclosed. The reported changes leave the film without its previously announced lead actor and with a new director; the reports do not identify a replacement for Stanfield. Molepeople is planned as a joint production involving Paramount and Blumhouse Atomic Monster, with Paramount handling worldwide distribution. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on August 27, 2027, according to Paramount’s announced release date. The story follows a man who descends into abandoned tunnels beneath New York City and discovers a society living underground. Nathan Elston wrote the screenplay. Producers include Jason Blum, J.D. Lifshitz, Raphael Margules and James Harris. Ben Mendelsohn remains attached to the project, according to reporting on the casting, which also said Stanfield’s reason for leaving was undisclosed. One report said Savage will remain involved as an executive producer after...