Growing up, there was no series of books that I loved more thanR.L. Stine’sFear Streetnovels, which were much scarier and more violent than the author’sGoosebumpsseries that I read as a kid. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the latestFear Streetbook as a horror-loving pre-teen, which is why as a so-called adult, I’ve been so eager to dig up details of theFear Streetmovie – or should I saymovies– in the works at 20th Century Fox and Chernin Entertainment. And now Collider can exclusively report that up-and-coming actorsKiana MadeiraandOlivia Welchare set to star in the ambitious genre project.
As previous reports have indicated,Fear Streetwill be a trilogy of films that are expected to be released in fairly close proximity to each other.Leigh Janiak(Honeymoon) will direct the first and third films in the series, whileAlex Ross Perry(Her Smell)will direct the second film in the trilogy, which will be produced by Chernin Entertainment. 20th Century Fox execJason Youngwill oversee the unique plan on behalf of the studio.
It’s my understanding that Janiak oversaw a writer’s room to hatch out storylines for theFear Streettrilogy, and while it’s unclear whom the script(s) will ultimately be credited to, it’s safe to assume Janiak will be among the writers listed. I’ve also heard thatStranger ThingsscribeKate Trefryhad a hand in things, which bodes well for the project.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say that Madeira (right) and Welch (below) will each be playing gay teenagers trying to navigate their rocky relationship when they’re targeted by the crazy horrors of their small town, Shadyside. Each actress will be playing two different characters – one in the mid-’90s, and one in the 1600s, when gay women faced even greater adversity and repercussions – and they’re both slated to appear in all three films, according to sources.
Madeira is best known for starring on the Family Channel sitcomReally Meand several Disney Channel movies, includingHarriet the Spy: Blog Wars,Bad Hair Day,The Swap, and theMacdonald Hallfilm trilogy. Her more recent credits include the Facebook Watch seriesSacred Liesand the Netflix seriesTrinkets, and she also is set for a recurring role on the CW’sThe Flash. Madeira is represented by TalentWorks, Ambition Talent and attorney John Meigs.
Welch has fewer credits but they’re a bit bigger, as she has appeared onModern FamilyandAgent Carter, and she’ll soon be seen alongsideToni Colletteon the Netflix seriesUnbelievable. Welch has also worked with Janiak before, having co-starred in her Amazon moviePanic, based on the book byLauren Oliver. She’s repped by Osbrink Talent Agency, LINK Entertainment and Morris Yorn.
