Hulu's Dust Cast, Director, Writer, Plot And More Details
Though they may lack the high-profile output of competitors like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, Hulu remains one of the preeminent producers of original streaming productions. And to date, the streamer has offered up a slate of films and series that have spanned the genre gamut. Perhaps a little bit more than their counterparts, however, Hulu's slate of originals has regularly featured genre works, with the streamer even partnering with Blumhouse Productions for two seasons of genre madness with the "Into the Dark" anthology series. And the streamer most recently delivered what is arguably the best film in the hit-or-miss "Predator" franchise with the release of 2022's "Prey."
It should be no surprise that Hulu isn't looking to leave its genre-loving ways behind soon. The streamer has recently offered some tasty details about a sinister upcoming flick that should be worthy of a spot on any horror lover's radar. The new film is called "Dust." Here's everything we know about it so far.
When will Dust be released?
The Hollywood Reporter was among the first publications to report on "Dust," noting that the upcoming film will be a co-production between Hulu and Searchlight Pictures, whose prior releases include Oscar-winning dramas like "12 Years a Slave," and "The Shape of Water." Most recently, Hulu and Searchlight collaborated on another Best Picture winner in "Nomadland," which received a day-and-date streaming release on the platform.
Per the IndieWire report, principal photography on "Dust" began in August of 2022, so the film may already be in post-production. As of this writing, however, Hulu has not announced a release date for the film, though a 2023 premiere seems a likely scenario.
Who is starring in Dust?
If you think the behind-the-camera talent on "Dust" is intriguing, you're likely to flip for the show's stars because producers have lined up none other than Sarah Paulson to front the new film. Paulson is no stranger to the horror realm, having notched nearly 100 episodes of Ryan Murphy's anthology series "American Horror Story." She's also no stranger to streaming fare, having appeared in Netflix originals like "Bird Box" and "Ratched," as well as Hulu's 2020 drama "Run." Per The Hollywood Reporter, Paulson will also serve as an executive producer.
According to an August 2022 report from Deadline, Paulson will be joined in "Dust" by "Girls," and "The Punisher" alum Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who is currently earning raves for his fiery performance opposite Jeremy Allen White in FX's surprise hit "The Bear." Moss-Bachrach also appeared in the short-lived but well-loved horror series "NOS4A2" and recently joined the "Star Wars" galaxy via a three-episode stint on "Andor." Rounding out the cast of "Dust" are Bill Heck ("Locke & Key"), "American Crime Story: Impeachment" co-star Annaleigh Ashford, and rising star Amiah Miller ("War for the Planet of the Apes").
What is the plot of Dust?
As it is, there may not be too many more casting announcements for "Dust," as the setup for the film doesn't seem to leave much room for a large cast of characters. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Dust" may be one of those horror flicks that leverage a small cast, middle-of-nowhere locales, and atmospheric mood to bolster its suspense. As THR reports, the film "is set in 1930s Oklahoma where the past haunts a young mother (Sarah Paulson) as she encounters a threatening presence and takes extraordinary measures to protect her family."
Given that cryptic synopsis and the indie film backgrounds of Karrie Crouse and Will Joines, one might expect "Dust" to be a small-scale bit of isolationist horror in the vein of "The Wind." Given the period in which the film is set, there's likely to be more of a Western edge to the proceedings. Blended with what sounds like a supernatural element and the real-world horrors of dust storms during that period, "Dust" is already sounding like a genuinely original take on the psychological horror genre. And if you call yourself a fan of such fare, "Dust" is shaping up to be a legit must-see.
Who is writing and directing Dust?
In addition to its impressive cast, "Dust" will boast some intriguing talent behind the camera. According to IndieWire, "Dust" is co-directed by rising stars Karrie Crouse and Will Joines. They previously collaborated on the 2018 short "Propagation" and 2016's excellent short thriller "The Push," among other projects. "Dust" is based on an original screenplay from "Westworld" alum Crouse, who reportedly developed the concept through Sundance Writer's Labs.