Disney’s Andscape is bringing psychological intensity with the trailer debut of its upcoming film, The Man in My Basement, a chilling adaptation of Walter Mosley’s acclaimed novel.
Starring Corey Hawkins (In the Heights, Straight Outta Compton) and Oscar-nominee Willem Dafoe (Poor Things), the film is set to make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this fall before landing in select theaters on September 12. It will also stream on Hulu and Disney+ later this year.
Directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Nadia Latif in her feature film debut, the film unpacks the psychological weight of race, power, and buried family trauma, all within the walls of one man’s basement.
Set in the historically Black neighborhood of Sag Harbor, New York, The Man in My Basement follows Charles Blakey (Hawkins), a once-promising man who’s now jobless, directionless, and on the brink of losing his generational home. When a wealthy and mysterious businessman named Anniston Bennet (Dafoe) arrives on his doorstep with an offer to rent out his basement for the summer at a price that would clear Charles’ debts, he reluctantly agrees.
But as weeks pass, what seems like a strange but simple arrangement spirals into something far darker. The walls of the basement begin to feel like a trap, forcing both men to confront inner demons, buried histories, and the twisted nature of privilege and guilt.
Directed by Latif and co-written with Mosley himself, The Man in My Basement mixes suspense with sharp cultural commentary. The film explores the long shadow of systemic racism, generational trauma, and the moral ambiguity of survival.
Andscape, Disney’s Black-led content studio, continues its mission of bringing complex, culture-forward stories to screen. This project reinforces its commitment to amplifying narratives that challenge, illuminate, and entertain.
Alongside Hawkins and Dafoe, the film features Titans and Nanny star Anna Diop, as well as Jonathan Ajayi, Gershwyn Eustache Jnr., Pamela Nomvete, and Tamara Lawrance.
The Man in My Basement will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and hit select theaters on September 12. It will be available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ later this fall.
