Margaret Qualley is set to star in a film adaptation of Virginia Feito’s upcoming novel Victorian Psycho, publisher Liveright announced in a news release.
Feito’s novel, scheduled for publication in February 2025, follows Winifred Notty, a murderous British governess who takes a job working for a hateful family. A critic for Kirkus wrote of the book, “Where ironic horror and horrific irony meet, this unbridled madhouse of a novel dazzles like a bloody jewel.” It is the author’s second novel, following the 2021 book Mrs. March, which is also in the works as a film, starring Elisabeth Moss.
Qualley, known for her roles in films including Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Poor Things, and The Substance, will play Winifred in the Victorian Psycho adaptation. It will be directed by Zachary Wigon, whose previous films include The Heart Machine and Sanctuary, the latter also starring Qualley.
“Wigon’s direction, paired with Feito’s audacious storytelling and Qualley’s compelling portrayal, promises to make Victorian Psycho one of the most talked-about horror films of the coming year,” Liveright said.
Qualley told Deadline, “Working with Zach again feels like a rare gift, and I can’t wait to step into this twisted world he’s created.”
Production on Victorian Psycho is scheduled to begin next March.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
