Bringing epic stories from page to screen
A Penberthy Family Entertainment Production
Trailer Coming Soon
Nineteen-year-old Evelyn Cross has two lives. By day, she's just another girl in the fading town of Ashford—pulling espresso shots at Bean & Gone, pretending her dad isn't dissolving into a bottle, and trying to remember what "normal" is supposed to feel like. By night, she hunts monsters.
Under the radar of the town that pities her for the fire that killed her mother, Evelyn trains with Jacob Pierce (JP)—the ex-soldier who dragged her out of those flames and turned her into a weapon. Together, they track the demons that slip through the cracks, fighting back the darkness no one else can see.
Evelyn has always known she's… different. She heals too fast. Hits too hard. Survives what should break her. But when a series of disappearances rocks Ashford and demons begin wearing the same burned symbol—and whispering her name—Evelyn realizes the monsters aren't circling the town. They're circling her.
As an old cult called the Ashen Veil rises, their attacks feel less like battles and more like experiments—measuring her limits, pushing her fear, testing something inside her she doesn't understand. And when a stranger with storm-grey eyes steps out of the shadows claiming to know what she is, Evelyn's carefully controlled world fractures.
Her mentor is keeping secrets. Her blood refuses to behave. And something waiting in the dark has decided she's the key it's been hunting for. To save the people she loves, Evelyn will have to face what really burned the night her mother died, and what's been waking inside her ever since.
Because the Veil isn't trying to kill her. They're trying to open her.
Meet the key characters of Rebel of the Forsaken. Character images coming as we cast them.
The protagonist—a nineteen-year-old with hidden powers and a dangerous destiny
Evelyn's battle-hardened mentor and the ex-soldier who saved her from the fire
A mysterious stranger with storm-grey eyes who claims to know what Evelyn truly is
2024 - 2025
Script development, casting, location scouting, and production design completed.
Late Summer 2026
Principal photography begins. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes content and updates.
Late 2026 - 2027
Visual effects, sound design, scoring, and final editing.
2027
Theatrical and digital release. Festival circuit and premiere events.
Rebel of the Forsaken: First Spark represents more than just an adaptation—it's a passion project years in the making. What began as Johnathan Penberthy's vision of a complex, morally gray supernatural world has evolved into a cinematic experience that challenges traditional notions of good versus evil.
Director Johnathan Penberthy brings a unique perspective to the material, having co-authored the source novel. His intimate understanding of the characters and mythology ensures that the film remains true to the story's emotional core while embracing the visual spectacle that cinema allows.
"This isn't a story about angels being purely good or demons being purely evil," says Johnathan. "It's about a young woman caught between two worlds, trying to forge her own path. That's what makes Evelyn's journey so compelling—she refuses to be defined by her heritage."
The production aims to create a grounded, character-driven supernatural thriller that doesn't sacrifice heart for spectacle. With practical effects combined with cutting-edge VFX, immersive world-building, and a focus on authentic performances, First Spark promises to be a fresh take on the supernatural fantasy genre.
"We're creating a world where the supernatural feels real, where every choice has weight, and where the line between hero and villain isn't always clear. That's the story we want to tell."
We're actively casting for multiple roles. View open casting calls and submit your audition.
View Casting CallsExperience the original story that started it all. Pre-order the novel now.
Explore the BookGet exclusive behind-the-scenes content, production updates, and early access to the trailer.
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