Deadline is reporting that Game of Thrones’ Natalie Dormer has signed on to star as the lead in The Forest, an upcoming supernatural thriller produced by David Goyer.
In essence, the film will chart the journey of an American woman (played by Dormer) who ventures forth into Japan’s infamous Aokigahara forest in search of her missing twin sister. With Jason Zada in the directing chair, the script for The Forest is being overseen by Sarah Cornwell, Nick Antosca and Goyer himself — who originally pitched the idea to the studio.
Going off of face value, it’s easy to dismiss The Forest for its conventional, play-it-safe premise, but there’s one key factor that lends credence to this project becoming a bona fide hit: the location. Situated at the foot of Mt. Fuji in Japan, the woodland area known as Aokigahara has quite the reputation.
Referred to as the Sea of Trees or the Suicide Forest by natives, the area is well known for its astonishing lack of wildlife — a feat owed to the overwhelming number of trees. As such, it is said that Aokigahara is exceptionally quiet; so much so, that if a tree falls, it might not make a sound whether you’re present or not.
Getting back to the Natalie Dormer-led vehicle, though, we understand that Focus Pictures holds the domestic rights to The Forest, and plan to release the film in 2016. And even though January has gained a reputation for being the dumping ground for Hollywood studios over the years, we’re holding out hope that Dormer’s first major role flies in the face of tradition.
The Forest has been scheduled to release on January 8th, 2016. In the meantime, you can let us know your thoughts on this most intriguing and indeed bone-chilling premise down below.