If you love horror, then Sydney Sweeney’s upcoming film should be on your radar. Sweeney will star in the film adaptation of Marcus Kliewer’s novel, The Caretaker. Kliewer’s highly anticipated sophomore novel will not hit bookshelves until April 21, 2026, but Universal Studios already snatched up the film rights.
The Caretaker is set in the same world as Kliewer’s first novel, We Used to Live Here, and will focus on a new character, Macy. According to the novel’s official description, Macy is a college graduate with significant debt and a younger sister to care for, so she reluctantly accepts a caretaking job posted on Craigslist. However, “she quickly discovers that her responsibilities have stakes far greater—and more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.”
Sweeney previously starred in Michael Mohan’s horror film Immaculate (2024) as a young nun who is woefully unprepared for the horrors within her new convent. She established herself as a scream queen in her own right, and it’s clear that she is ready to tackle new challenges in the genre. The Caretaker marks her return to the genre, but not just as an actor. She is also set to produce The Caretaker, alongside Platinum Dunes and 1201 Films.
Those not in the know may be wondering why a huge star like Sweeney and other titans in the industry are so quick to stake their claim on The Caretaker. It all comes down to the proven ability and popularity of the author in question.
Kliewer quickly became an essential horror author due to the popularity of We Used to Live Here (2024). In fact, he won the Scariest Story of 2021 award on the popular NoSleep forum before the full novel was even released. He initially published the story as a serialized short story on Reddit, gaining so much momentum that Netflix began development on a film adaptation, and Simon & Schuster acquired publication rights.
Kliewer spoke to People about his new work and provided more details about the book’s themes. “The Caretaker is a story about grief, mental health, and the struggle to find self-worth and belonging in the midst of crisis,” he explained. “Exploring these topics through the genre of supernatural horror has been a strangely cathartic and therapeutic process for me. I hope the story resonates with readers as much as it frightens them.”
Based on the reactions to Kliewer’s previous novel, his wish that The Caretaker will resonate with readers (and, later, film audiences) will likely be granted. Kirkus Reviews provided one of many positive reviews for We Used to Live Here and emphasized the relatability of protagonist Eve’s story. They said, “[Kliewer] created a can’t-look-away imaginary world in which people and places aren’t what they appear . . . Fans of the surging horror genre will think twice about opening the door when someone knocks.”
We can’t wait to see Sweeney take on the terrors that await us in The Caretaker. For now, the novel’s release in 2026 and any new film production updates will have to satisfy our curiosity.