Hayden Panettiere Thriller ‘Sleepwalker’, Produced By Appian Way & Verdi Productions, Gets North American Deal

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EXCLUSIVE: Brainstorm Media has acquired Verdi Productions’ psychological thriller Sleepwalker for North American distribution. The film will receive a day-and-date theatrical release on January 9, 2026.

Produced by Verdi Productions and Leonardo DiCaprio’s production firm Appian Way, Sleepwalker “follows an accomplished artist who is haunted by the tragic loss of her daughter in a car accident that left her abusive husband in a coma. As she battles a surreal descent into darkness, her sleepwalking episodes intensify. Plagued by haunting visions of her husband inside their home, she grapples with the blurred lines between reality and nightmare”.

Golden Globe nominee Hayden Panettiere (Scream) leads the cast, which also stars Golden Globe nominee Beverly D’Angelo (Vacation film series), Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds), Mischa Barton (The Sixth Sense), Lori Tan Chinn (Orange is the New Black), and Kea Ho (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For).

Chad A. Verdi (Bleed For This) and Jennifer Davisson (Killers of the Flower Moon) produced the film, along with Phillip Watson, Michelle Verdi, Chad Verdi Jr. and Paul Luba. Executive producers are Taylor DiGilio, Sera Verdi and Anthony Gudas. Brandon Auman penned the script and directed.

The deal was negotiated by Chad A. Verdi of Verdi Productions and Michelle Shwarzstein and Alex Peters of Brainstorm Media.

Chad A. Verdi, President of Verdi Productions, stated: “Brainstorm’s enthusiasm and strategic marketing plan made them a top contender for domestic distribution. Hayden’s emotionally charged performance as a grieving mother is gripping, and we’re looking forward to the world seeing her thrive in this new and exciting chapter in her accomplished career.”

Added Brainstorm Media CEO Michelle Shwarzstein: “We’re excited to be working with Verdi Production on another great film. We can’t wait to bring this taut psychological thriller to audiences early next year.”

Brainstorm recently released tech thriller American Sweatshop with Lili Reinhart, and dark comedy Psycho Therapy starring Steve Buscemi, Britt Lower, and John Magaro. Upcoming is Christmas comedy Tinsel Town, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson.