Australian actor Guy Pearce will join Katie Holmes in the Melbourne-lensed “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The supernatural thriller, being directed by Guillermo del Toro protege Troy Nixey, is based on a 1973 ABC telefilm about a young girl who moves in with her father and his girlfriend and discovers they are sharing the house with demonic creatures.

Bailee Madison ("Bridge to Terabithia") will play the girl, who discovers the creatures and is fascinated by them -- until they prove dangerous. Melbourne-based Pearce will play the father, an author frustrated by his daughter's tales of monsters, not believing her even when his girlfriend (Holmes) backs her.

Holmes, husband Tom Cruise, and daughter Suri arrived at Melbourne's Essendon Airport earlier today in their private jet and are believed to be on their way to stay at Crown Casino.

The Herald Sun reports the Hollywood couple are expected to stay in a private suite at Crown with their daughter Suri for their time in Australia.

"Don't be Afraid of the Dark" will be shot at the Dockland Studios in Melbourne.