Page 17 - Reader's HouseMagazine - Issue 62

From Page To Premiere: Anchorcall Services Resurrects Ann Greyson’s Chilling Birdwatcher Saga
After STX Entertainment’s exit, Anchorcall Services secures the rights to Ann Greyson’s Birdwatcher series, pitching a high- stakes supernatural adaptation to HBO Max that promises to redefine the modern horror-thriller genre.
Anchorcall Services has offi- cially taken over the film and television adaptation of Ann Greyson’s horror franchise, Birdwatcher, following a move that has energized the literary and film worlds. The deal, led by Literary Publicist Samantha Jacobs, saves the project after STX Entertainment pulled out in June 2025 due to company restructuring.
A Story of Crime and Spirits
The Birdwatcher series is a unique mix of crime thriller and ghost story. Set in the Po- cono Mountains, it begins with the 2016 dis- appearance of 12-year-old Abby Wincoff. The plot follows the hunt for serial killer Joey Marks and the supernatural struggle of Abby’s spirit, which remains trapped in the woods.
“Your story aligns perfectly with the type of high-impact, emotionally driven narratives these platforms are seeking for global audienc- es.”
— Tim Albert, STX Entertainment
The sequel, Birdwatcher 2, explores even darker themes, including demonic possession and a spiritual battle involving a Jesuit priest, Reverend Claude Bonanni. The books have been praised by critics for their fast-paced chap- ters and intense emotional depth.
Timeline and Availability
The proposed production is set to begin by September 2026, with a target release date no later than June 2028. For readers who want to catch up before the premiere, Birdwatcher and Birdwatcher 2 are currently available in paper- back and e-book through Kindle Direct Publish- ing and all major book retailers.
The acquisition covers both the 2022 novel and its 2024 sequel, Birdwatcher 2. Thanks to an aggressive pitch by Jacobs, executives at HBO Max are now considering the series for an exclusive original production. Jacobs noted that the story’s blend of mystery and supernatural elements gives it a "cinematic heartbeat" that is rare in modern fiction.
A Twisted Journey to the Screen
The road to production has been rocky. In 2025, STX Entertainment had originally planned a Netflix release with a $650,000 start- ing budget. When STX backed out, Anchorcall Services stepped in this March to secure the rights from Greyson.
Author Ann Greyson has already shared her "dream team" for the adaptation, envisioning James Wan (The Conjuring) as director and Jeri Ryan (Star Trek) to play the role of Estelle Rowland, the sharp-eyed waitress who plays a key role in tracking the story’s killer.
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