Hayden Panettiere Thriller Sleepwalker Secures North American Distribution for 2026 Release

Hayden Panettiere is set to make a significant return to film with the psychological thriller "Sleepwalker," produced by Verdi Productions and Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way. The film, marking Brandon Auman's feature directorial debut, follows an accomplished artist and grieving mother haunted by the tragic death of her daughter and the coma of her abusive husband, with her sleepwalking episodes intensifying as she struggles to distinguish between reality and nightmare. Brainstorm Media has acquired North American distribution rights for a day-and-date theatrical release on January 9, 2026. Panettiere leads a strong cast including Beverly D’Angelo, Justin Chatwin, and Mischa Barton, with production led by Chad A. Verdi and others, highlighting Panettiere's emotionally charged performance as a key draw. The film's release is highly anticipated, with distributors praising the strategic marketing plan and Panettiere’s compelling portrayal, signaling a pivotal moment in her career resurgence. "Sleepwalker" promises a tense, emotionally intense narrative blending psychological suspense with raw human vulnerability.