Happy Death Day star Jessica Rothe to star in another sci-fi horror film

Scream queen Jessica Rothe has joined the cast of a new sci-fi horror movie, Affection, one with a plot vaguely reminiscent of her breakout role in the time loop slasher series Happy Death Day.

Deadline reports that the actress is playing the role of Ellie, who becomes trapped inside a "cyclical nightmare" that causes her memories to frequently "reset," erasing her life with her husband and daughter. Even worse, her real memories are replaced with "vivid memories of a life she's never lived."

In some ways, it sounds like a cross between a lighter rom-com like 50 First Dates and Happy Death Day. It's not quite the same thing as a time manipulation movie where each day repeats itself, but one that could be a lot darker depending on what direction this story takes.

Rothe will star opposite Joseph Cross, the actor best known for his performances in Lincoln and Licorice Pizza. Cross will play Rothe's husband, and their daughter will be played by Prodigal Son actress Julianna Layne.

It's always exciting to see Rothe getting new projects, especially those in the horror/thriller genre. She's a fantastic actress and while I know she's been in many other films outside of the horror space, I think she really shines in these types of projects.

Most recently, she starred opposite Bill Skarsgard in the hyper-violent action flick Boy Kills World, but most of us know her best from Happy Death Day and its sequel Happy Death Day 2U, both directed by Christopher Landon. Fingers still crossed that a third movie might be in the works.

Affection marks the directorial debut of BT Meza, who also penned the script. No word yet on where the film will land in terms of streaming or if it will get a theatrical debut.

Stay tuned to 1428 Elm for more details on Affection and all things horror.