“The Manor,” an independently financed sci-fi psychological thriller, has wrapped production and is quickly becoming one of the most closely watched indie genre titles of the upcoming festival season. Produced by New Signal Studios and filmed in upstate New York, the project has already generated early interest from festival programmers and streaming acquisitions teams who cite its high-concept premise, rising talent, and polished early footage as reasons for its growing momentum.
In the final phase of shooting, the film added William Jackman II to its stacked ensemble, a move that insiders say significantly elevated the project’s profile. Jackman, trained at Carnegie Mellon University and steadily gaining traction in New York’s acting scene, stars as Derek, a central character whose unraveling psychological arc anchors the film. Producers describe his performance as a breakthrough and note that his digital footprint has boosted visibility, with behind-the-scenes posts generating more than a million organic impressions.
Amy Schubert portrays Miss Jaime, a clinical overseer whose shifting motivations drive several of the film’s key turns. Early internal screenings indicate that the dynamic between Jackman and Schubert creates a compelling emotional core within the movie’s broader sci-fi framework. Insiders say their scenes together provide some of the film’s most striking psychological tension.
Sources tell Variety that the producing team is preparing submissions for Sundance, Berlin, and SXSW, with several streamers already monitoring its progress. Apple TV is reportedly following closely, citing the film’s “elevated tone” and “unexpectedly strong ensemble” as points of interest. An individual familiar with early cuts described the film as “stylish, tense, and more ambitious than its budget suggests,” highlighting Jackman’s performance as the standout.
With post-production underway and industry attention building, “The Manor” is positioned as a potential breakout indie sci-fi title for 2026. The addition of William Jackman II, paired with the film’s atmospheric storytelling and rising cast, has placed the project firmly on the radars of festival programmers and acquisitions teams alike.
