Denis Haysbert and Anji White have joined the cast of Carmelo and Nicholas Chimera’s upcoming indie horror film ‘Deify,’ a project partly inspired by the 1993 siege between the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas, and federal law enforcement.
Haysbert and White lead a wave of new cast additions, including Ashley Greene (Twilight), Kirk Acevedo (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), Casey Hartnett (Terrifier 2), Nicholas Chimera (Unarmed), and Mike Manning (This Is Us)—joining previously announced stars Neal McDonough and Skeet Ulrich. Rounding out the ensemble are Cliff Chamberlain, Brian Glanney, Jessie Nerud, Garrett Andrew Ahrens, Jason Potter, Danny Bohnen, Scotty Bohnen, Drea Berg, Ricardo Gamboa, and Ritchie Ramone.
In ‘Deify,’ a manipulative cult leader (Ulrich) stands trial after claiming God commanded him to cause the fiery deaths of his devoted followers in one of the largest civilian firefights in U.S. history. Haysbert plays the judge presiding over the case, while White steps into a key role whose character details are being kept under wraps.
The trial brings a high-stakes legal battle to the screen, featuring Haysbert’s presiding judge, McDonough’s prosecuting attorney, Greene’s court-appointed psychologist, and Acevedo as the notorious “Butcher of Galesburg.”
Produced by Chimera Studios and J2 Productions LLC in association with Mannifest Productions, ‘Deify’ counts Manning, Jordan Gianneschi, and Jacob Rice among its producers, with Neal and Ruvé McDonough executive producing. Casting was led by Steven Tylor O’Connor and Becca McCracken.
‘Deify’ is currently in production in Chicago, with additional timeline updates expected at a later date.
–Dominique Young // @heyyydommm