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IFC and Shudder Acquire Zombie Horror 'This Is Not a Test' from Adam MacDonald
- TalkTeaV
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Cast of This Is Not A Test standing together in a scene: Image Courtesy of IFC and Shudder
Independent Film Company and Shudder have picked up writer-director Adam MacDonald’s latest film, This Is Not a Test, a zombie outbreak thriller based on the popular YA novel by New York Times bestselling author Courtney Summers. The film will be released in theaters by IFC and Shudder in 2026, followed by streaming on Shudder.
The story centers on Sloane, played by Olivia Holt (Heart Eyes), and a small group of classmates who barricade themselves inside their high school after their town descends into chaos. As the horror outside grows, Sloane begins to see life through the eyes of people fighting to survive, and decides to take control of her fate. The cast also includes Froy Gutierrez (The Strangers), Luke Macfarlane (Bros), Corteon Moore (Overcompensating), Chloe Avakian (John Wayne Gacy), and Carson MacCormac (Clown in a Cornfield).
MacDonald, known for Backcountry, Pyewacket, and Out Come the Wolves, said he was drawn to Summers’ novel because of its mix of emotion and intensity. “Courtney Summers' book This is Not a Test captivated me completely with its raw energy and dynamic characters, a story I felt personally and knew it had to be brought to the screen,” said MacDonald. “I couldn’t be happier with Olivia Holt's exceptional talent stepping into Sloane’s shoes and bringing her to life. I'm beyond thrilled the film is in great hands and found a home with Independent Film Company and Shudder, a team that puts so much passion in the films they release.”
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Adam Koehler, Director of Acquisitions and Productions at Independent Film Company, praised MacDonald’s approach to the genre. “Adam MacDonald has an unmatched ability to elevate genre filmmaking with heart, intelligence, and raw human emotion,” Koehler said. “We’re thrilled to bring This Is Not a Test to a new generation of viewers who crave horror that hits both the gut and the soul.”
Produced by Cybill Lui (The Silencing) of Anova Pictures alongside MacDonald, the deal includes distribution rights across the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Negotiations were handled by Koehler on behalf of Independent Film Company and Shudder, and by Lui for the filmmakers.
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