Watch the trailer for upcoming thriller Rent-A-Pal, starring Wil Wheaton

Wil Wheaton stars as Andy in the upcoming IFC Midnight film Rent-A-Pal

Wil Wheaton has come a long way from the “acting ensign” many of us may remember. The Star Trek: The Next Generation actor is starring in his first “thriller”, IFC Midnight’s Rent-A-Pal, the trailer for which was released earlier this month.

Based on an actual VHS video called “Rent-A-Friend”, Rent-A-Pal is set in 1990, just before the digital revolution. David, played by Brian Landis Folkins, is a lonely, 40-year-old man who lives with and cares for his mother, played by Kathleen Brady. In search of companionship, David stumbles across a strange video, “Rent-A-Pal”. The video’s charming host, Andy, is played by Wheaton and brings David the friendship he’s looking for, but at a price he isn’t expecting. Tensions ramp up in this psychological thriller as Andy’s “friendship” becomes more intense than David could have anticipated. Rent-A-Pal also stars actor Amy Rutledge.

In an interview with Deadline, Rent-A-Pal writer and first-time director Jon Stevenson expressed his excitement for the film’s release. “I look forward to working with [the IFC Midnight] team in releasing Rent-A-Pal,” Stevenson said. “This movie is near and dear to my heart and I’m truly excited for the world to see it. And for the world to see a very different side of Wil Wheaton.”

Outside of the Star Trek universe, Wheaton has held numerous television and film roles and has an extensive list of voice-over credits in both television and video games. While starring in a thriller is a first for Wheaton, you’d never know it from watching the trailer, which is available on YouTube. Rent-A-Pal is set to be released in select theaters and on demand September 11.