Josh Duhamel Sets Psychological Thriller 'Speak' Ahead of TIFF Sales

Josh Duhamel has signed on to star in *Speak*, an upcoming psychological horror feature centered around a sinister vintage ventriloquist dummy. The indie package is heading into the market at the Toronto International Film Festival, according to a report from Deadline.

John Kissack is attached to direct the feature. Kissack also co-wrote the screenplay alongside filmmaker Joe Carnahan and screenwriter Casey Giltner.

Veteran producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura is producing the film through Di Bonaventura Pictures in partnership with Carnahan and Marvin Neil. Sales representation is being handled jointly by Twenty-Nine Palms and CAA Media Finance as buyers gather at TIFF.

The project reunites Duhamel with di Bonaventura, who previously collaborated on the blockbuster *Transformers* franchise. In *Speak*, Duhamel pivots into elevated genre territory, anchoring a narrative that explores the psychological unraveling tied to an inanimate figure.

## Market Context

High-concept genre packages with recognizable leads continue to serve as the lifeblood of festival acquisition markets. With theatrical distributors and streamers remaining selective on mid-budget acquisitions, tightly contained horror projects backed by seasoned commercial producers like di Bonaventura and Carnahan represent one of the safer bets for international presales.