Kevin Costner leads the cast for "The New Daughter," a feature film to be shot in the Lowcountry beginning Feb. 20.

A production office has been set up in Charleston for the movie, which reportedly will be shot on locations in McClellanville or on Edisto Island.

A horror film, the story is adapted from novelist John Connolly's story collection, "Nocturnes," and will co-star Spanish child actress Ivana Baquero, seen last year in Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-nominated "Pan's Labyrinth."

Costner, who played a rare villain in the 2007 thriller "Mr. Brooks," has the leading role as a man who moves his family to rural Illinois but begins to worry when his young daughter experiences episodes of self-loathing.

A burial mound near their home may hold the answer.

According to the industry trade publication Variety, the script was written by novelist John Travis. Paul Brooks is serving as producer.

Reach Bill Thompson at bthompson@postandcourier.com or 937-5707.