Actor Kumail Nanjiani is officially stepping behind the camera for his directorial debut. Known for his sharp comedic timing and versatile acting, the performer will tackle a new horror-comedy project titled Howl.
According to a report from Deadline, Amazon MGM’s Orion Studios has secured the rights to the film. The story follows a troubled actor who appears on a live television program and makes the startling claim that he will transform into a werewolf within the hour. Nanjiani is set to adapt the script written by Madison Vanderberg. The project is currently in the early stages of development.
This transition into directing marks a significant milestone for Nanjiani, who has built a diverse career across both television and film. By taking on a horror-comedy, he is leaning into a genre that allows for the blend of tension and humor that has defined much of his previous work. Fans of his performance-based projects will likely be interested to see how his specific comedic sensibilities translate to the director’s chair in a genre-bending feature.
A Diverse Career Beyond the MCU
Nanjiani is widely recognized for his role as the cosmic superhero Kingo in the 2021 Marvel Studios film Eternals. While the film received mixed reactions from audiences, Nanjiani earned praise for his standout performance. Beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he has maintained a steady presence in high-profile television series and films.
His television credits include a role in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and a starring turn in the limited series Welcome to Chippendales. He is also well-known for his work on the HBO comedy series Silicon Valley, as well as appearances in Amazon MGM’s Fallout and HBO’s The White Lotus. These roles have showcased his ability to navigate both dramatic and comedic tones effectively.
Upcoming Projects and Future Work
In addition to his directorial debut, Nanjiani has several projects in the pipeline. He is slated to appear in Neon’s The Wrong Girls and FX’s Very Young Frankenstein. Furthermore, he is attached to the science fiction thriller Green Bank and a comedy feature from director Judd Apatow titled The Comeback. Beyond his acting and directing work, Nanjiani continues to focus on stand-up comedy, having released his special Night Thoughts on Hulu in late 2025, which earned a Golden Globe nomination.
As Howl moves through development, it will be interesting to see how Nanjiani shapes this unique premise. With Orion Studios backing the project, the film has a clear path forward as it prepares to bring this werewolf-centric story to the screen.
Source: Superhero Hype
