In the realm of horror, it’s not just the monsters that lurk in the shadows or the faceless entities that send shivers down our spines; sometimes it’s the comfort of childhood that turns against us. Enter “Imaginary,” Lionsgate’s latest foray into the horror genre, set to hit theaters on March 8, 2024. This is not your average bedtime story. It’s a story that turns a seemingly innocent teddy bear into the stuff of nightmares.

Starring DeWanda Wise, known for her role in “Jurassic World Dominion,” “Imaginary” dives deep into the weird and disturbing. Wise doesn’t just lead the cast; she also dons her producer hat for this venture. The story unfolds as Jessica and her family move back into her childhood home. Among dusty memories and forgotten toys, his youngest stepdaughter Alice discovers Chauncey, a teddy bear with a sinister twist, in the basement.

What begins as playful interactions between Alice and Chauncey quickly turns into an increasingly disturbing series of events. Jessica soon realizes that this is no ordinary teddy bear, but a harbinger of dark and sinister games. The film promises to take viewers on a psychological rollercoaster, blurring the lines between imagination and reality.

Behind the camera is Jeff Wadlow, a name synonymous with thrillers and horror, who directed films such as “Cry Wolf” and “Truth or Dare.” Wadlow, who also contributed to the script alongside Greg Erb and Jason Oremland, shared his excitement about the project. “Not all imaginary friends are friendly… at least that’s what the characters at the center of ‘Imaginary’ are about to find out.” he said. Wadlow’s ambition to play with the audience’s perception of reality shines through in this project, promising a film full of unexpected twists, big scares and, most importantly, thrilling fun.

The cast also includes Tom Payne, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, Veronica Falcon and Betty Buckley, rounding out a talented ensemble that brings this chilling story to life. With Blumhouse’s Jason Blum producing, the film is poised to be a memorable addition to the horror genre.

Jeff Wadlow’s parting words serve as a haunting reminder of the film’s premise: “I promise you’ll never look at a Teddy the same way again.” As “Imaginary” prepares to make its mark, it’s clear that this film aims to redefine childhood fears, proving that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones we once loved.