Independent Film Company and Shudder announced today that they have acquired the rights to writer-director Adam MacDonald’s (Pyewacket, Backcountry) zombie outbreak horror This Is Not a Test, adapted from the popular YA novel of the same name by Courtney Summers. Independent Film Company and Shudder will release the film in theaters in 2026.
This Is Not a Test stars Olivia Holt (Heart Eyes, Totally Killer), Froy Gutierrez (The Strangers, Cruel Summer), Luke MacFarlane (Platonic, Bros), Corteon Moore (Overcompensating, From), Chloe Avakian (Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, Near or Far), and Carson MacCormac (My Life With the Walter Boys, Clown in a Cornfield).
The film follows Sloane and a small group of her classmates who take cover in their high school to escape their suddenly apocalyptic hometown. As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors, Sloane begins to see the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live and takes matters into her own hands.
“Courtney Summers’ book This Is Not a Test captivated me completely with its raw energy and dynamic characters, a story I felt personally and knew it had to be brought to the screen. I couldn’t be happier with Olivia Holt’s exceptional talent stepping into Sloane’s shoes (Docs) and bringing her to life. I’m beyond thrilled the film is in great hands and found a home with Independent Film Company and Shudder, a team that puts so much passion in the films they release,” said director Adam MacDonald.
This Is Not a Test is produced by Cybill Lui (The Silencing, Pay the Ghost) of Anova Pictures and Adam MacDonald.
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