What upcoming 2025 fantasy action film, directed by Bryan Fuller, features an eight-year-old girl named Aurora who enlists her hitman neighbor to help her kill the "monster" under her bed that she believes ate her family?

The upcoming 2025 fantasy action film that perfectly matches this description is Dust Bunny (Review). Directed by Bryan Fuller, known for his distinctive visual style and dark storytelling in shows like "Hannibal" and "Pushing Daisies", this marks his feature film directorial debut. The movie centers on an eight-year-old girl named Aurora (played by Sophie Sloan) who believes a "monster" under her bed consumed her family. In a desperate bid for revenge or protection, she enlists the help of her mysterious hitman neighbor, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, who previously collaborated with Fuller on "Hannibal".

"Dust Bunny" is a fantastical and wickedly inventive tale that blends elements of fantasy, action, and horror, described as "gateway horror" suitable for a broad audience. The film's synopsis reveals that while Aurora initially believes in a literal monster, her neighbor suspects her parents may have fallen victim to assassins targeting him. This premise sets the stage for a unique partnership as the hitman reluctantly takes the job to protect Aurora, leading them into a world filled with both real and imagined dangers. Sigourney Weaver also features in the cast, playing a character described as "not so nice" opposite Mikkelsen.

The production of "Dust Bunny" began in Budapest in June 2023, and it premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2025, before its theatrical release in the United States on December 12. Critics have generally praised the film, highlighting the magnetic chemistry between Mads Mikkelsen and Sophie Sloan, and commending Fuller's imaginative and stylish direction. The movie is noted for its visually rich world-building, intricate set designs, and costume work, showcasing Fuller's signature aesthetic on the big screen. It offers a dark fairy tale with R-rated violence, exploring themes of confronting personal monsters and finding unlikely alliances.