Kumail Nanjiani makes directorial debut with werewolf comedy 'Howl'

Kumail Nanjiani is making his directorial debut with Howl, a new horror comedy that has been acquired by Orion Pictures.

The film, developed by Amazon MGM Studios’ Orion Pictures, will see Nanjiani direct and star in the project from a screenplay by Madison Vanderberg.

Howl follows a famous but troubled actor who makes a shocking announcement during a live talk show: he will transform into a werewolf in less than an hour. The unusual premise blends horror and comedy while exploring the chaos that follows a public confession. The screenplay previously appeared on the 2024 Black List, a respected annual list highlighting promising unproduced scripts.

The film is currently in development and will be produced by Weed Road Pictures and Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon’s Winter Coat Films. Producers include Akiva Goldsman, Greg Lessans, Rachel Wizenberg, Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon and Dani Melia.

Nanjiani, known for projects including Silicon Valley, The Big Sick, Welcome to Chippendales and Marvel’s Eternals, continues to expand his career across film and television. He recently released his comedy special Night Thoughts, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination, and has several upcoming projects including appearances in The White Lotus season 4 and Amazon MGM’s Fallout season 2.

The actor and filmmaker is also working with Gordon on an adaptation of the comic book series Sex Criminals, which received a series order from Amazon MGM. Their production company Winter Coat Films is additionally developing the comedy feature Compulsive Liar.

For Vanderberg, Howl marks another major step after writing the feature comedy Corporate Retreat for Netflix.