Horror Novella 'Look Out' to be Adapted for Film by Ben Leonberg

A Visionary Director Transforms Page to Screen

The Genesis of a Cinematic Horror Experience

Ben Leonberg, renowned for his impactful film 'Good Boy,' is joining forces with Republic Pictures to spearhead the movie adaptation of 'Look Out.' This horror novella, a product of Artists Writers and Artisans in partnership with Vertigo Entertainment, is poised to become a gripping cinematic feature, with Leonberg at the helm as both director and co-writer.

Crafting the Narrative: Leonberg's Collaboration with Alex Cannon

The screenplay for 'Look Out' will be a joint effort between Leonberg and Alex Cannon, who previously collaborated on Leonberg's acclaimed success, 'Good Boy.' The production team includes industry veterans Roy Lee and Andrew Childs from Vertigo Entertainment, alongside Zach Studin representing AWA, ensuring a robust creative and production framework.

Unveiling the Mysterious World of 'Look Out'

First introduced in May 2025, 'Look Out,' penned by Dan Baillie and featuring Tim Bradstreet's distinctive artwork, emerged as the inaugural title in the "Future of Fear" series, a collaborative initiative by Vertigo and AWA. While specific plot details for the film adaptation remain under wraps, the novella's official description teases a compelling storyline: Oscar, reeling from a divorce, takes on a role as a fire lookout in a secluded forest. There, he stumbles upon a cryptic set of rules that seemingly guarantee his safety during his isolated vigil.

Leonberg's Flourishing Career in Horror Cinema

Leonberg's directorial prowess was recently highlighted with his feature film debut, 'Good Boy,' which premiered to critical acclaim at SXSW 2025. This festival favorite, acquired by IFC Films and Shudder, delves into the story of a devoted canine protecting its ailing owner from an ominous supernatural entity, notably featuring Leonberg's own family dog, Indy, in the lead role. His future projects include 'Ankle Snatcher' for Sony Pictures, an adaptation of Grady Hendrix's short story co-written with Cannon, and 'Follow Mode,' his second original horror feature which is currently in post-production. Produced by Temple Hill, 'Follow Mode' is a serial killer thriller centered on a group of teenagers who uncover disturbing footage of a psychopath's rampage after bringing down a drone.