The historical drama Canyon of the Dead has officially completed its production, accompanied by the unveiling of its first-look images featuring the primary cast. Written and directed by Coerte Voorhees, the film delves into the lives of renowned archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris. It particularly focuses on Ann Morris’s collaboration with the Navajo Nation in revealing the mysteries surrounding the ancient Anasazi civilization. While a specific release date has not yet been set, the film is anticipated to premiere sometime in late 2025 or early 2026.
In an exclusive debut, ScreenRant presents stunning first-look images from Canyon of the Dead, showcasing the film’s lead characters and hinting at some of the pivotal moments. Highlighting notable performances, the cast includes Tom Felton, known for his role in the Harry Potter franchise, portraying Earl Morris, along with BAFTA award-winner Abigail Lawrie as Ann Axtell Morris and Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin playing writer and poet Anne Morrow. The visuals also tease scenes featuring armed horsemen, hinting at the film’s thrilling and dramatic moments.
Why Canyon of the Dead Is More Ambitious Than You Think
Canyon of the Dead transcends a mere biographical film about Ann Morris and her endeavors with the Navajo people. Early insights indicate that the movie encompasses a multifaceted narrative, blending biography with historical context and addressing the somber events that impacted the Navajo community in the year 1805. Furthermore, Ann’s husband, Earl Morris, is often regarded as a fascinating influence behind the iconic character of Indiana Jones.
In addition to portraying Ann’s influential relationship with the Navajo, the film presents her journey as an archaeologist. Viewers will witness a younger depiction of Morris as her career sparked in Southern France. As she excavates remnants of early Neanderthal existence and artifacts from ancient Roman conflicts, audiences will be transported directly into the heart of historical events.
Moreover, Canyon of the Dead also examines the tragic experiences of the Navajo Nation, particularly focusing on the devastating massacre of Navajo individuals at the hands of the Spanish Horsemen in 1805. Notably, the final scenes filmed for the project revolved around this harrowing true event. Director Coerte Voorhees shared his reflections on these significant aspects of the film:
Coerte Vorhees: Canyon of the Dead has been a giant puzzle for years in the making due to the nature of Ann’s complex story. It was critical for us as storytellers to honor the Navajo people and their history by visualizing it for modern audiences in the most cinematic way possible. Many segments were impossible to shoot during initial filming due to severe COVID restrictions at the time.
We are thrilled and honored to have these final scenes of great significance to the Navajo people portrayed in the film, which not only give context to what the archaeologists were uncovering in the 1920s, but will also give film audiences a level of historic immersion that only a film could highlight.
While a precise release date for Canyon of the Dead remains unconfirmed, audiences may expect to see the film debut as soon as late 2025 or early 2026.