I’ll tell you the truth: I’ve always wanted to read Nick Cutter’s The Troop but I never have. The book is supposedly great, about a group of young Boy Scouts, secluded on a forested island, who encounter a ghastly and deadly virus that threatens them all. Cutter is a great author and his work is reminiscent of early Stephen King and Richard Bachman so you know I’m sold. In fact, King himself has written blurbs for the author and he’s a big fan.

While I haven’t read the book, I’ll probably be able to finish it before the newly-announced film adaptation comes out. James Wan’s Atomic Monster production company has landed the rights to the book and Wan intends to produce the movie with Cheap Thrills direct E.L. Katz helming the project. Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald will write the script.

This sounds like it could be the sort of gory, brutal and no-holds-barred horror film that could leave a lasting impression. It’s one of those simple set-ups that is filled with possibilities. Multiple deaths! Kids going nuts while isolated! Viral infections! Fun for the whole family.

This is probably the first of many Cutter adaptations. The man’s books seem tailor-made to be turned into movies. He writes disturbing, intense horror that always feels familiar yet new.

Meanwhile, James Wan is one busy man isn’t he? It seems like we hear news about him daily now. It couldn’t happen to a cooler dude. The filmmaker lives and breathes horror and consistently delivers so we are happy to see him achieve so much success. Kudos, James!