Summary
Netflix has teamed up with Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan for a chilling new feature: The Boy in the Iron Box. Directed by David Prior, this upcoming horror film combines survival, supernatural terror, and psychological depth. Starring Rupert Friend, Kevin Durand, and Jaeden Martell, the film begins production in October 2025 in Toronto and Oakville, Ontario. For aspiring actors, this is a thrilling opportunity to join a Netflix project backed by world-class creators.
About The Boy in the Iron Box
Adapted from Del Toro and Hogan’s six-part novella series, The Boy in the Iron Box follows a Russian military crew that crash-lands in the snowy wilderness of the Tian Shan Mountains. Seeking refuge, they stumble upon an ancient stone fortress that harbors more than just history—it hides an iron box containing the undead body of a young boy.
What begins as a desperate survival story turns into a descent into darkness. Trapped between blizzards and something far more sinister, the crew must confront their own fears as horror takes an entirely new shape.
Blending gothic mystery, war themes, and supernatural terror, the film mirrors Del Toro’s signature style — where humanity’s monsters are often as haunting as the creatures themselves.
The Cast
Netflix has confirmed an impressive trio leading The Boy in the Iron Box:
- Rupert Friend (Anatomy of a Scandal, Companion) as the mission’s conflicted commander.
- Kevin Durand (The Strain, The Naked Gun) as a hardened mercenary with a haunted past.
- Jaeden Martell (It, Knives Out) as a young soldier drawn to the mystery of the iron box.
Additional cast announcements are expected as production ramps up. Given the film’s large-scale setting, background actors and supporting roles may open for local talent in Canada during principal photography.
Production Details
- Title: The Boy in the Iron Box
- Studio: Necropia Entertainment // Back Bay Productions
- Producer: Demilo Films
- Writer/Director: David Prior
- Producers: Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan, J. Miles Dale
- Location: Toronto & Oakville, Ontario
- Filming Schedule: October 20, 2025 – January 14, 2026
- Contact: [email protected]
This Netflix feature is produced under Del Toro’s creative partnership with the streamer, following hits like Cabinet of Curiosities and his upcoming Frankenstein.
How to Get Cast in The Boy in the Iron Box
Getting cast in a Netflix horror film is competitive but entirely achievable with the right preparation. Here’s how to maximize your chances:
- Polish Your Acting Portfolio
Update your headshots, demo reel, and resume. Netflix casting directors prioritize professional presentation and natural performance skills. - Monitor Verified Casting Calls
Keep checking ProjectCasting.com, where verified Netflix production notices and extras calls are regularly posted. Avoid unconfirmed listings elsewhere. - Be Ready for Local Casting Opportunities
With filming set in Toronto and Oakville, local Canadian actors have the best shot at landing background or featured roles. Register with regional talent agencies now. - Show Range and Resilience
Horror projects demand emotional depth and physical endurance. Practice grounded reactions, subtle fear, and high-intensity scenes to stand out during auditions. - Network with the Right People
Stay connected to Canadian casting directors who frequently collaborate with Netflix and genre filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro.
Behind the Scenes and Industry Buzz
Netflix’s The Boy in the Iron Box has already generated major buzz among fans of psychological horror and cinematic storytelling. The creative team’s track record speaks for itself:
- Guillermo del Toro brings his visionary eye for supernatural design and emotional storytelling.
- Chuck Hogan, co-creator of The Strain, ensures sharp writing and layered characters.
- David Prior (known for The Empty Man) directs with a mix of dread and atmosphere that fans of slow-burn horror will appreciate.
Filming kicks off just weeks after the release of Del Toro’s Frankenstein, giving Netflix an impressive one-two punch for horror fans worldwide.
Why The Boy in the Iron Box Stands Out
Unlike many modern horror films, this story uses tension and myth instead of cheap scares. It explores how isolation, faith, and fear intersect in the face of the unknown. The remote mountain setting, combined with Del Toro’s gothic sensibilities, promises something both terrifying and poetic.
For actors, this production represents a rare chance to work under some of Hollywood’s most imaginative creators — in a project that could easily become Netflix’s next major genre hit.
Start Your Acting Journey with Project Casting
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