Blumhouse Atomic Monster proved horror remains a theatrical force at Blumfest 2026, its packed New York Comic Con showcase on the Empire Stage at the Javits Center. Hosted by Matthew Patrick, who goes by the stage name MatPat, today’s session delivered exclusive trailers, casting announcements, surprise appearances, and giveaways.
Founder and CEO Jason Blum opened by celebrating the success of two of this summer’s biggest horror films, ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms.’ The producer thanked audiences for supporting theatrical horror this year.
Blumfest offered a revealing look at the studio’s evolving strategy, from major franchise revivals to internet-born nightmares. The panel emphasized that horror’s future depends on established brands, up-and-coming talent and audiences willing to embrace the unexpected.
Mike Flanagan Shares His Vision for ‘The Exorcist’
Blumfest’s headline moment arrived when director Mike Flanagan and ‘Backrooms’ actor Chiwetel Ejiofor unveiled the trailer for ‘The Exorcist: Martyrs.’ The Oscar-nominated actor stars in the franchise’s seventh film installment alongside Scarlett Johansson, Laurence Fishburne, Diane Lane, and John Leguizamo. Flanagan wrote and directed the highly anticipated movie for his Red Room Pictures banner.
The project brings Flanagan’s production company together with Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Morgan Creek Entertainment. Given the filmmaker’s reputation for making emotionally complex supernatural horror features and television series, the movie offers an opportunity to reimagine one of cinema’s most influential franchises. Its impressive ensemble further raises expectations. At Blumfest, the first footage set the drama up to be a major theatrical event for horror fans next year.
Internet Horror Finds a Home in Hollywood
Blumfest also reinforced Blumhouse’s commitment to supporting and celebrating creators emerging from digital platforms. During the session, Blum announced a deal with MatPat to develop ‘Amanda the Adventurer’ into a feature film. The adaptation will bring DreadXP’s unsettling indie horror game to the big screen. Patrick Ewald, CEO of parent company Epic Pictures, will produce the movie.
The announcement makes reinforces MatPat’s proven success of building communities around online mysteries and horror theories. The game’s disturbing presentation and hidden secrets provide natural cinematic possibilities. Blumhouse is hoping that digital audiences will support the adaptation in theaters.
The studio also announced a short-film development deal with Heidi Wong, who’s known online as The Horror Queen. Wong combines storytelling, visual art and horror in her social media content.
The influencer has received acclaim from the TIME100 Creators List and Forbes 30 Under 30 last year. Those inclusions emphasize her growing impact online. Blumhouse will collaborate with Wong on an original horror short, with the potential to venture into feature filmmaking at a later time.
New Films Expand Blumhouse’s Horror Universe
Several other Blumfest announcements showcased the studio’s varied upcoming slate. Rob Savage, the director of ‘Other Mommy,’ which is opening in theaters today, surprised attendees with an offer for a free New York screening after the panel.
Savage also introduced ‘Get Out’ actor LaKeith Stanfield as the star of ‘Molepeople,’ a horror thriller that was written by Nathan Elston. Paramount Primal, and Blumhouse Atomic Monster are producing the subterranean horror film, which is scheduled for theatrical release on August 27, 2027. The Academy Award-nominated actor will co-star with Ben Mendelsohn in the drama.
Meanwhile, ‘The Hunt’ director Craig Zobel will helm a feature adaptation of ‘Something Is Killing the Children.’ The film will be based on James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera’s celebrated horror comic. It has sold more than five million copies worldwide since it debuted in 2019,
Blumhouse is developing both a live-action film and an adult animated television adaptation of the comics. Tynion will help oversee the television project.
The studio also previewed another one of its anticipated horror thrillers, ‘River,’ which was directed by Josh Giuliano. The film stars ‘Happy Death Day’ actress Jessica Rothe and ‘Evil Dead’ star Jane Levy, as well as Max Mattern, and Dane DiLiegro. The drama is scheduled to open in theaters on January 15, 2027, after it had its World Premiere last month at the Toronto International Film Festival.
James Wan Revives Familiar Franchises
Franchise news remained central to Blumfest, particularly during James Wan’s appearance. The Atomic Monster founder discussed his upcoming return to the ‘Saw’ franchise. He’s also working on a new iteration of the ‘RoboCop’ franchise. The series Prime Video series will star ‘The Ritual’ actor, Dan Stevens.
Wan also shared exclusive videos featuring creative talent behind upcoming projects. Director Ian Tuason discussed the next entry in the ‘Paranormal Activity’ series. Helmer Drew Hancock and actor Ron Perlman offered insights into another horror thriller, ‘Seasons,’ which stars Lily James and Jack Reynor.
‘Anything But Ghosts’ filmmakers Curry Barker and Cooper Tomlinson surprised attendees with a discussion of their collaboration. Barker’s follow-up to _Obsession_ is scheduled for release May 7, 2027. The horror-comedy follows con artists investigating ghosts who discover something genuinely supernatural.
Blumfest Signals a New Era for Horror
Ultimately, Blumfest 2026 demonstrated how Blumhouse Atomic Monster intends to expand horror without abandoning its theatrical roots. Established franchises provide recognition, while independent games, viral stories, and emerging creators introduce fresh possibilities. Projects in such subgenres as the supernatural thriller, subterranean terror, comics, and horror-comedy further demonstrate the studio’s desire for variety.
The strategy still faces familiar challenges, however. Revived franchises must justify their returns, and internet-inspired concepts must offer more than online popularity. Original filmmakers also need room to develop distinctive creative identities.
Nevertheless, Blumfest presented a compelling plan for horror’s next chapter. By combining theatrical experiences with internet-driven ideas and cross-platform storytelling, Blumhouse is positioning itself at the intersection of tradition and experimentation. If these projects connect with audiences, Blumfest 2026 may be remembered as a defining showcase of where modern horror was launched.
