Kangana Ranaut Set to Make Hollywood Debut in Upcoming Horror Drama ‘Blessed Be the Evil’ Alongside Tyler Posey and Scarlet Rose Stallone
After nearly two decades of making her mark in Bollywood, National Award-winning actress Kangana Ranaut is poised to take a significant leap in her career as she steps into the global spotlight with her Hollywood debut.
According to an exclusive report by Variety, Kangana has signed on for a lead role in an upcoming horror-thriller titled Blessed Be the Evil.
The project also features Teen Wolf star Tyler Posey and Scarlet Rose Stallone, the daughter of legendary actor Sylvester Stallone.
The film is being helmed by Anurag Rudra, an emerging name in the international cinema space, known for his previous work on New Me and Tailing Pond. Co-written by Rudra and Gatha Tiwary, the president of Lions Movies, the script promises a compelling blend of folklore, emotion, and psychological suspense.
Production is expected to begin this summer in New York, with the team currently scouting locations that would minimize costs related to trade tariffs, particularly those associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
Kangana’s Global Transition
Kangana’s decision to explore Hollywood comes after the lukewarm reception of her 2025 directorial and acting venture, Emergency, where she portrayed former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The film, despite its historical gravitas, did not resonate strongly with audiences or critics. However, Kangana’s performance was, as always, noted for its intensity and commitment.
Interestingly, Kangana had previously dismissed the idea of pursuing a career in Hollywood, unlike her contemporaries such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Deepika Padukone.
In a past appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show, she emphasized India’s robust creative talent and stated, “Humare yaha pe itne talented log hai na, to humein kahin aane-jaane ki zarurat nahi hai.
Ab jaise ki, world has become one place na, to sab log yaha kaam karte hain, waha ke log yaha pe kaam kar rahe hain.” (India has so many talented people, so we don’t need to go elsewhere to work. The world has become one interconnected space where talent moves across borders.)
Yet, with Blessed Be the Evil, the actress appears to have shifted gears and is now ready to embrace global storytelling. According to sources close to the production, Kangana was drawn to the unique concept and the opportunity to bring Indian folklore to an international platform.
The makers are reportedly ecstatic to have someone of her caliber on board, citing her multiple National Awards and ability to transform any character she plays.
A Story Rooted in Indian Folklore, Set in the West
Blessed Be the Evil centers around a devout Christian couple grappling with the devastating loss of their child due to a miscarriage. Seeking solace and isolation, they purchase a remote, rustic farmhouse in the countryside, aiming to heal and rebuild their lives away from society.
However, unbeknownst to them, the land harbors dark secrets, and the house’s unsettling past begins to unravel in terrifying ways.
The narrative takes inspiration from Indian folk stories that Rudra encountered during his childhood in rural India. Speaking about the project, the director shared, “Being born and spending my childhood in rural India, I was told stories that got embedded in my mind and heart.
These folk tales are haunting, mystical, and deeply emotional — they have remained with me for years. I’ve always wanted to bring them to a wider audience, and Blessed Be the Evil allows me to do just that.”
By fusing Indian storytelling traditions with a Western cinematic setting, the film aims to offer a fresh and chilling perspective on the horror genre.
The production team believes that this hybrid storytelling approach has strong commercial potential in international markets, particularly for streaming platforms that are hungry for cross-cultural narratives.
A Strong Cast and Industry Buzz
Alongside Kangana, Tyler Posey brings his horror experience to the table, having previously starred in Blumhouse’s supernatural thriller Truth or Dare. Scarlet Rose Stallone, who has appeared in films such as Reach Me and The Gunslingers opposite Nicolas Cage, is also expected to have a significant role in the movie.
The dynamic ensemble promises a diverse and compelling cast that blends star power with acting versatility.
Wade Muller, known for his work on visually striking films such as Elephant White and Occupation: Rainfall, will oversee the cinematography and overall visual treatment of the project. According to Gatha Tiwary, Blessed Be the Evil is shaping up to be a “suspense-laden, emotionally charged” cinematic experience.
She said, “We’ve crafted a spine-chilling narrative with rich layers of drama and psychological tension. This story is both specific in its cultural origin and universal in its emotional impact.”
The project is already garnering international interest and is scheduled to be pitched at the prestigious Cannes Film Market, where it will aim to attract distributors and streaming partners ahead of its official release.
The filmmakers are confident that the unique blend of folklore, spiritual themes, and high-caliber performances will make the film a strong contender in both festival circuits and commercial platforms.
What’s Next for Kangana?
Kangana’s entry into Hollywood marks a new chapter in her career. Known for her fearless attitude, strong opinions, and powerful performances in films like Queen, Tanu Weds Manu, and Manikarnika, she has long been one of Bollywood’s most enigmatic and bold figures.
Her decision to finally accept a Hollywood project — and one as conceptually ambitious as Blessed Be the Evil — signals a willingness to evolve and experiment with her craft on a global scale.
As production gears up and anticipation builds, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how Kangana’s performance translates to a new cinematic language.
If successful, this could very well open the doors to more international opportunities for her, while also bringing Indian folklore to the forefront of global horror cinema.
