Horror studio Hammer has announced that Mad Men and Fringe actor Jared Harris is to star in its latest film, The Quiet Ones.
Harris will play Professor Joseph Coupland in the supernatural thriller/horror which is currently in pre-production and will start shooting in June 2012 in the UK.
The film is being directed by John Pogue and produced by James Gay-Rees from a story and original screenplay by Tom DeVille and is being produced in association with TPSC Films.
Inspired by true events, The Quiet Ones tells the story of an unorthodox, but charismatic professor who uses controversial methods and leads his best students off the grid to take part in a dangerous experiment: to create a poltergeist from negative human energy.
Announcing the casting, Pogue said: “Jared Harris is an extraordinarily talented actor and I’m thrilled that he will be playing the key role of Professor Joseph Coupland, who led his most ambitious students in a notorious 1974 experiment to create a poltergeist.
“Jared has the perfect blend of charisma, intelligence and wit that the part of Professor Coupland demands, and I’m excited to watch him bring the role to life.”
Simon Oakes, President & CEO of Hammer and Vice Chairman of Exclusive Media added: “The Quiet Ones is set to be an incredibly chilling and sinister picture that we are proud to be a part of. It’s another unique horror movie which we believe will appeal to audiences around the world.”