Lauren Cohan starts work on big-screen thriller 'The Boy' in Canada

VICTORIA, British Columbia, March 12 (UPI) -- Director William Brent Bell has begun principal photography on The Boy, a big-screen thriller starring British actress Lauren Cohan of The Walking Dead.

Written by Stacey Menear, the film is being produced by Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Roy Lee, Matt Berenson and Jim Wedaa. The production is shooting in Victoria, B.C., and the surrounding area, and is set for theatrical release Jan. 22.

"As STX Entertainment continues ramping up production on a diverse slate of films, we are excited to be a part of this original, petrifying movie. The Boy will be an important addition to our growing slate and we are thrilled to be in business with Lakeshore Entertainment, one of the most successful production companies working in our industry today," Adam Fogelson, chairman of the STX Entertainment Motion Picture Group, said in a statement this week.

"It is great to have such talented artists in front of and behind the camera to bring this film to audiences," added Lakeshore Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Tom Rosenberg. "We're looking forward to working with the team at STX and are excited to have The Boy as part of their inaugural slate of films."