Chris Messina (JULIE & JULIA) has been tapped by Universal to star in DEVIL, which is based on a story concocted by M. Night Shyamalan, reports VARIETY. QUARANTINE directors John Erick and Drew Dowdle will helm and exec produce the horror flick.

The story is on the hush-hush, but word is that Messina will be playing on-the-wagon homicide detective. Brian Nelson (30 DAYS OF NIGHT) penned the screenplay.

Shyamalan and Sam Mercer will produce via their Night Chronicles banner set-up with Media Rights Capital to produce a yearly genre pic.

Filming will start Oct. 26 in Toronto.