Joseph Morgan & Katie Cassidy Lead First Look For 'Herbert West: Reanimator' Horror Film

Joseph Morgan and Katie Cassidy are starring in the new horror film Herbert West: Reanimator, with first look images released as production begins.

The film is a contemporary reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft’s 1922 short story, according to an exclusive report from Deadline. Morgan will play the titular brilliant but obsessive surgeon Herbert West, who is consumed by creating a serum to resurrect the dead. Cassidy will play a pathologist with a troubled past who becomes involved in his experiments.

Who else is involved in the film?

Michael Grossman is directing the feature from an original screenplay by Jade Sandberg Wallace. Morgan and Cassidy are also serving as executive producers alongside producer Jeff Lewis of Woodlake Entertainment, which is financing the project. The supporting cast includes Scott Aiello, Ira J Amyx, and Randall Newsome, among others.

What is the story about?

The film’s extended synopsis reveals a traumatic origin for West. As a child, he witnessed his father's failed attempt to reanimate his mother, an event that left a lasting mark. Thirty years later, West continues his father's work in secret. His partnership with pathologist Kate Locke leads them to push the boundaries of life and death, with horrifying consequences.

Cassidy expressed her excitement about returning to the horror genre, stating, “I am excited to step back into this genre. It’s been awhile since I have done horror. I loved the original film and this has a dark twist, which I am excited to sink my teeth into.”

Morgan added his own enthusiasm for the complex role, saying, “I’m beyond excited to be taking on the role of Herbert West, a man inspired by the mysteries of life, obsessed with conquering death, and haunted by the consequences of his own ambition.”

The original short story was previously adapted into a cult film in 1985. Filming is currently taking place in Alton, Illinois.