Zach Cregger Partners with Netflix for Dark True Crime Project Torso
Horror filmmaker Zach Cregger, best known for his work on Weapons and Barbarian, is stepping into the realm of true crime with Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Torso. The streaming giant recently secured the rights to the acclaimed graphic novel after a competitive bidding war, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The Torso graphic novel, written by Brian Michael Bendis and Marc Andreyko, recounts the disturbing real-life case of the Cleveland Torso Murderer—also called the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run. This notorious killer terrorized Cleveland in the 1930s, leaving behind a trail of headless, dismembered victims. Law enforcement, led in part by famed investigator Eliot Ness, struggled to solve the case, which ultimately remained unsolved.
In the fictionalized narrative of Torso, Ness is joined by a team known as “The Unknowns” as they investigate a series of grisly murders. The killer’s victims are found in and around Lake Erie, with few clues to their identities or motives. The book blends historical fact with creative storytelling, delivering a haunting portrayal of America’s early encounters with serial crime.
Cregger will serve as producer through his Subconscious banner but will not be directing or writing the adaptation. No director or screenwriter has yet been attached to the project, making this collaboration still in its early stages.
The Cleveland Torso Murderer case has long fascinated filmmakers. Over the years, directors such as David Fincher, David Lowery, Paul Greengrass, and Corin Hardy have all considered bringing the story to the screen, though none have seen the project through to completion. Netflix’s acquisition, combined with Cregger’s rising influence in genre filmmaking, suggests that this iteration may finally move forward.
Zach Cregger’s career trajectory has been impressive. His upcoming horror film Weapons has exceeded box office expectations, earning a place in the top tier of 2025 releases. He is also actively developing a Resident Evil movie slated for theatrical release on September 18, 2026. While Torso does not yet have a release date, anticipation is already building among true crime and horror fans alike.
For viewers who enjoy dark, atmospheric storytelling grounded in real events, Torso promises to deliver a chilling experience. This Netflix project could join the ranks of the platform’s most talked-about true crime adaptations, offering a gripping mix of history, investigation, and horror.
