Margaret Qualley, previously slated to star as the lead in the anticipated thriller Victorian Psycho, has been replaced, with Maika Monroe now set to headline the upcoming film. The change comes ahead of the movie’s production start, scheduled for August, and follows news first reported by Deadline. The project, also featuring Thomasin McKenzie, is generating considerable buzz as it prepares to attract buyers at the soon-to-begin Cannes film market.
No specific reason has been provided for Margaret Qualley’s departure from Victorian Psycho. However, her rising profile this year—with major roles in Blue Moon, Honey Don’t!, and the sequel Happy Gilmore 2—underscores her growing demand in the industry. Upcoming projects such as Huntington and The Dog Stars further illustrate her busy schedule, making her exit from Victorian Psycho particularly notable for fans and industry watchers alike.
Maika Monroe, celebrated for her recent performance in Longlegs and noted horror credentials from It Follows and The Guest, will step into the role formerly held by Margaret Qualley. Director Zachary Wigon expressed his confidence in Monroe, stating,
Wigon has previously worked with Margaret Qualley on the erotic thriller Sanctuary, establishing a history between the director and the departing star.
Victorian Psycho, based on the unreleased novel by bestselling author Virginia Feito, is set in 1858 and centers on Winifred Notty, a governess arriving at Ensor House, a remote Gothic manor. The film follows Notty as she attempts to educate the children and forge a friendship with the nursemaid, portrayed by McKenzie, all while concealing her own psychopathic nature. As mysterious disappearances plague the staff, suspicion begins to point towards Notty. Feito herself will adapt her novel for the screen, adding to the project’s authenticity.
The film’s production timeline shifted from earlier this year to a planned start in August. While A24 was initially attached to distribute Victorian Psycho, both the distributor and Margaret Qualley have recently left the project, raising questions about the film’s future but also anticipation as it seeks new partnerships. Monroe, fresh off the acclaim of Longlegs, is also set to appear in other significant titles, including 100 Nights of Hero, the thriller remake The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, and the sequel They Follow.
The recasting of Margaret Qualley in Victorian Psycho represents a significant development for the film, promising a shift in tone and audience expectations. As production prepares to begin and new distribution deals are sought, all eyes remain on how Monroe’s intense reputation will shape the film’s direction, while Qualley’s growing filmography sets the stage for her continued ascent in Hollywood.
