The Dungeon: West Virginia Penitentiary (2026): Cast, Story and

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

The Dungeon: West Virginia Penitentiary follows James Hedderick-Crooks on his first paranormal investigation inside the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia. Combining documentary and historical elements, the film records an encounter that gives its investigator more questions than answers and brings a personal interest in the paranormal into focus.

The Dungeon: West Virginia Penitentiary is a 2026 documentary centered on a first ghost-hunting investigation at the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia. The film connects a longstanding interest in paranormal phenomena with an attempt to investigate the subject firsthand.

Directed and written by James Hedderick-Crooks, the 1-hour-35-minute film is presented in English and combines documentary and history classifications. Its premise focuses on what the investigation uncovers—and on the questions that remain afterward.

The Dungeon: West Virginia Penitentiary movie details

Story without spoilers

The film follows James Hedderick-Crooks as he visits the West Virginia Penitentiary for his first investigation into possible paranormal activity. His interest in the paranormal began during childhood, but adulthood gives him the opportunity to examine those interests directly.

Rather than presenting a fictional haunted-house story, the documentary is built around an observational investigation. The supplied synopsis indicates that the experience becomes more intense than expected, leaving the investigator with more questions than answers. Specific findings and events are not detailed here, so the film’s central mystery remains best approached without advance assumptions.

What to expect

Viewers can expect a nonfiction account shaped by paranormal investigation, historical subject matter and the setting of the West Virginia Penitentiary. The documentary format suggests an emphasis on recording an investigation and its participants rather than staging a conventional narrative.

The film’s premise also gives it a personal angle: this is a first investigation undertaken by someone whose interest in the paranormal began in childhood. Its focus is on the experience of searching for evidence and confronting what that search may reveal, while the available information does not establish specific methods, discoveries or conclusions.

Cast and creative team

James Hedderick-Crooks directs and writes the film and appears as himself. The cast also includes Erica Hedderick, Caden Hyde, Steve Brodt, Eric Sims and Betty Holmwood, each appearing as themselves. The documentary is therefore presented through real participants rather than fictional character roles.

• James Hedderick-Crooks as Himself
• Erica Hedderick as Herself
• Caden Hyde as Himself
• Steve Brodt as Himself
• Eric Sims as Himself
• Betty Holmwood as Herself

Release and production context

The Dungeon: West Virginia Penitentiary is listed as a 2026 release, with a release date of October 29, 2026. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, is in English, and is associated with JHC Films. The supplied production information does not specify a country.

Production companies: JHC Films

Reported production figures:
Budget $1,000

The Dungeon: West Virginia Penitentiary official trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube

Movies Dock view

With its combination of historical setting, paranormal investigation and personal documentary perspective, The Dungeon: West Virginia Penitentiary is organized around the question of what a first ghost hunt can reveal. Its stated outcome—more questions than answers—provides the film with an open-ended premise without disclosing the investigation’s details.

Film data:
TMDB