Rupert Friend to Star in Netflix’s Horror Film ‘The Boy In The Iron Box’

British actor Rupert Friend, renowned for his roles in the espionage thriller Homeland and the historical drama The Young Victoria, has joined the cast of Netflix's upcoming horror feature The Boy in the Iron Box. The film, written and directed by David Prior, is being produced by acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, known for Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape of Water.

The announcement, reported by The Hollywood Reporter on September 21, 2025, also confirms the involvement of actors Kevin Durand and Jaeden Martell, marking a high-profile adaptation of a chilling tale.

The Boy in the Iron Box originates from a six-part horror novella co-authored by del Toro and The Strain creator Chuck Hogan, published in 2024 as part of the Books of the Dead anthology series. The story follows a squad of mercenaries whose plane crashes on a remote, wolf-infested snow summit. Seeking shelter in an abandoned fortress, they uncover a hidden pit containing a chained iron box harboring a sinister secret.

Filming is scheduled to commence in October 2025, with del Toro and frequent collaborator J. Miles Dale (The Shape of Water) producing. This project aligns with Netflix's push into genre storytelling, blending survival horror with psychological dread in a vein similar to del Toro's Crimson Peak.

Friend will portray Liev, the group's resolute leader navigating the escalating terror, while Durand takes on the role of a fellow mercenary grappling with the group's unraveling dynamics. Martell, best known for It and Knives Out, embodies the enigmatic titular boy trapped within the iron box, whose presence unleashes unimaginable horrors. The casting draws on each actor's strengths: Friend's intensity from Homeland's Peter Quinn, Durand's rugged presence in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and Martell's youthful vulnerability in coming-of-age horrors.

Also Read: Bad Girl Hindi Release Set to Break Stereotypes on September 26

Friend's recent credits include Jurassic World Rebirth, directed by Gareth Edwards and penned by David Koepp, which hit theaters in early 2025 and featured Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey. The film grossed over $800 million worldwide, revitalizing the franchise amid debates over its narrative direction. This new role cements Friend's versatility, transitioning from action blockbusters to del Toro's atmospheric nightmares.

As Netflix ramps up original content ahead of the 2026 awards season, The Boy in the Iron Box positions itself as a potential awards contender, leveraging del Toro's Oscar pedigree to elevate the streaming giant's horror slate.

Also Read: PM Modi Hails Mohanlal as Cinema Legend After Dadasaheb Phalke Award Win