The Empty Man is a 2020 supernatural horror film written and directed by David Prior in his feature directorial debut, based on Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Rey's graphic novel of same name published by Boom! Studios. The film stars James Badge Dale, Marin Ireland, Stephen Root, Ron Canada, Robert Aramayo, Joel Courtney, and Sasha Frolova. It follows an ex-cop who, upon an investigation into a missing girl, discovers a secret cult.

Originally filmed in August 2017 as an international co-production between the United States, South Africa, and France, the film received poor scores at test screenings and distributor 20th Century Fox lost faith in its commercial prospects. The final product, theatrically released in the United States on October 23, 2020, was still considered a rough edit by Prior. Released in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film grossed $4 million worldwide against a budget of $16 million. The film initially received mostly negative reviews from critics and audiences at the time of its release. Reception improved after the film came out on home media and streaming services, and it has since gained a cult following.

REAR COVER

THE EMPTY MAN is a supernatural horror film filled with action, suspense and sheer terror! After teenagers from a small Midwestern town begin to mysteriously vanish, the locals begin to suspect that their disappearances may somehow be tied to a terrifying local legend. Thrust out of retirement, James Lasombra (James Badge Dale), a troubled former cop still reeling from the deaths of his own wife and son, begins to investigate the events that have shaken this community. Things take a bizarre turn when Lasombra discovers a secretive group of occultists who seem to be attempting to bring forth a horrific, mystical entity.

Before long, Lasombra realises that his life — and the lives of those close to him — are in terrible danger in this white-knuckle chiller. THE EMPTY MAN also stars Marin Ireland, Stephen Root, Ron Canada, Robert Aramayo, Joel Courtney and Sasha Frolova. Directed by David Prior from his screen story and screenplay based on Cullen Bunn's novel.