Casting Call for "The Damned Thing" Film Project

A young writer caught between truth and trauma. Intelligent and soft-spoken, Harker is analytical but deeply affected by what he's experienced. Once inspired by Hugh Morgan as a character study, Harker becomes an unwilling witness to the unnatural. Misunderstood and vilified by those around him, he represents both a victim of prejudice and the only person with knowledge of a horror no one wants to believe.

An eccentric outdoorsman unraveling at the seams. Hugh is passionate, erratic, and increasingly paranoid as he documents a mysterious and unseen entity haunting his land. He possesses both a childlike curiosity and a stubborn resolve that borders on madness. His descent is tragic, as he shifts from quirky to desperate, trying to prove he's not insane even as the truth becomes too much to bear.

Methodical, dry, and authoritative. The Coroner is a man grounded in procedure, yet not without his own biases and limitations. He upholds order at the expense of understanding, dismissing Harker's story not from logic—but from unwillingness to believe the extraordinary.

Grieving, bitter, and filled with rage. The Wife is not just mourning her husband, but seething with prejudice and suspicion. Her fury toward Harker stems from both racial animus and the need to blame someone for what cannot be explained. She is both victim and antagonist, consumed by the need for closure.

Solemn, quiet, and observant. Though he says little, his demeanor suggests empathy and doubt about the official story. He represents the silent witness—the one who sees more than he says

Southern The Police Officer is a secondary but memorable presence who observes and silently judges William Harker throughout his time at the hospital. He's sharp, cynical, and not one to believe in nonsense or metaphysical talk. Though he only has a few lines, his eyes say more than his mouth—tracking Harker with suspicion, mild amusement, and subtle unease.

A polished, media-trained professional trying to maintain order and a clear narrative. The Sheriff delivers the official ruling on Hugh Morgan’s death with stoic certainty. However, the cracks in his belief system begin to show. His forced authority contrasts with his inner doubt. A man used to controlling the story, now unsure he even understands it.

These are the grief-stricken, tight-knit family members of the deceased, Hugh Morgan. Bound by silence, tradition, and intense emotional pressure, they embody quiet mourning, judgment, and collective suspicion. Each member processes trauma differently—some with controlled stoicism, others with visible anger or confusion. Their presence is atmospheric, haunting, and emotionally weighty, even without dialogue.