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Butcher & Blackbird‘s casting department is killing it. On October 22, the Brynne Weaver adaptation got a major update: Not only did it find a home at Prime Video — aka the leading streamer for book-to-screen adaptations — but it also announced the actors playing serial killers Sloane and Rowan.
For anyone who hasn’t picked up Weaver’s Ruinous Love trilogy, be warned: Butcher & Blackbird comes with its fair share of content and trigger warnings. From “accidental cannibalism” to “lobotomized man servant,” this dark romance is not for the faint of heart, and there’s a good chance the adaptation won’t be either. Weaver appeared to confirm as much on Instagram, teasing *that* explicit, dessert-related scene in script.
Scroll for more details about the Sloane and Rowan actors as well as all the latest updates surrounding Butcher & Blackbird, including the release date.
Who has been cast in the Butcher & Blackbird movie?
Emma Laird and Thomas Doherty are bringing the dark romance to the screen. Laird, who will play Sloane, is a 28-year-old English actress who gained recognition for her roles in Mayor of Kingstown and A Haunting in Venice.
Doherty, who’ll star as Sloane’s partner-in-crime Rowan, is no stranger to a dark romance after starring in vampire flick The Invitation. The 31-year-old Scotsman is also known for his roles in the Gossip Girl sequel series and Tell Me Lies.
What is the status of the Butcher & Blackbird movie?
The Butcher & Blackbird movie is moving full steam ahead. On June 17, author Brynne Weaver posted a photo of the completed Butcher & Blackbird script written by Laura Kosann. The caption reads: “We are SO EXCITED for the next steps and we can’t wait to take you on this journey with us!”
In December 2025, the author teased that progress was being made on the production. In addition to teasing that the book’s extremely NFSW ice cream scene has made it into the script, Weaver shared that she was in Hollywood for “secret Hollywood things.”
The Butcher & Blackbird movie is being helmed by The Lego Batman Movie director Chris McKay and produced by Ryder Picture Company’s Aaron Ryder, Andrew Swett, and Alexander Black.
Does Butcher & Blackbird have a release date?
No, at this time, Butcher & Blackbird does not have a set release date. Given the film has only just announced the leads, we’d expect to see it hit streaming in late 2027 at the earliest.
What is Butcher & Blackbird about?
The first book of Weaver’s Ruinous Love trilogy, Butcher & Blackbird, is a dark rom-com following the love story of two serial killers. With a shared love of killing the evil-hearted, Sloane Sutherland and Rowan Kane embark on a yearly competition to track down and slaughter a new anonymous killer, becoming best friends along the way.
The catch? Rowan is convinced that Sloane will love him someday, and Sloane can’t help but think he is 100% right. Somewhere between terrifying, sexy, and absolutely hilarious, Butcher & Blackbird redefines the romance genre.
The official logline of the movie reads, “Butcher and Blackbird follows two competing killers who target other serial killers as they attempt to one-up each other. As their unlikely bond grows into something deeper, they start to wonder if a future together could ever be possible.”
Be sure to bookmark this page and check back here for updates on Butcher & Blackbird! Meanwhile, comment what scene you’re hoping to see in the movie below!
Butcher & Blackbird, TBA, Prime Video