“The Piper” Trailer: Julian Sands Plays a Twisted Conductor in One of His Final Roles (Exclusive)

'The Piper' is out March 8

Julian Sands, in one of his final roles, plays a conductor with questionable motives.

PEOPLE has the exclusive first trailer for The Piper, written and directed by Erlingur Thoroddsen and starring Sands, the actor who was found dead last year after going missing while hiking in California.

The Piper also stars Charlotte Hope, Aoibhe O'Flanagan and Oliver Savell. A logline teases, "When a composer must finish her late mentor's concerto, she discovers that playing its music summons deadly consequences."

Hope says it "was an immense privilege to spend a summer working alongside" late costar Sands.

"I will be forever grateful to have had the chance to play together," she adds. "The Piper is dark, creepy and kind of fun and his chilling portrayal of the orchestra’s conductor had me genuinely terrified.”

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Director Thoroddsen says he wanted to make a "truly scary horror film tinged with a fairy tale vibe."

"My aim was to make a thrilling feast for the eyes and ears, where Christopher Young’s magnificent score plays an integral part in the experience," says Thoroddsen. "I couldn’t have made any of it happen without my wonderful cast, led by the fearless Charlotte Hope, who infused every scene with warmth and resolve. And, of course, the great Julian Sands, from whom I learned so much and to whom the film is dedicated."

"It was truly an honor to work with Julian," says the filmmaker, "and I'm certain his fans will be delighted by his powerhouse performance."

Sands is best known for roles in films like 1985's A Room with a View, 1989's Warlock and 1990's Arachnophobia.

The 65-year-old actor was reported missing in January 2023 after setting out to hike in California's Mount Baldy. After months of searches, recreational hikers stumbled upon human remains on June 24. Days later, on June 27, authorities confirmed the body was identified as Sands. His cause of death was deemed "undetermined."

Related: Melanie Lynskey Pens Moving Tribute to Julian Sands: ‘I Will Never Forget You’

The British actor's manager Sarah Jackson previously said in a statement, "Julian was a great friend and client. He chose interesting projects that mattered to him and was adored by everyone who worked with him."

"He was a passionate climber, and we draw consolation from knowing that he passed in a place he loved, doing what he loved. We are filled with the most beautiful memories."

The Piper is in theaters and on demand March 8.

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