Horror Industry News — Thursday, February 19, 2026

Eva Trobisch’s third feature, Home Stories, explores complex family dynamics within East Germany, focusing on generational tensions and cultural-political context, competing at Berlinale 2026.

Analysis based on nearly 130,000 evaluations over five years challenges the notion that outcomes on The Black List depend on random evaluator bias.

Commentary on the trend of widespread self-proclaimed industry expertise on social media platforms.

French-language drama The Hunt (Traqués) delayed from Dec 2025 to March 4, 2026 on Apple TV due to plagiarism probe; Gaumont confirmed series based on Douglas Fairbairn’s 1973 novel Shoot; rights deals secured; director Cédric Anger credited; Apple restored show info after delay.

Steven Knight’s Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man film adaptation set for theatrical release March 6, 2026, Netflix streaming March 20; directed by Tom Harper; stars Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Sophie Rundle; producers include Knight, Murphy, Guy Heeley; BAFTA-winning series origin.

Michael Tiddes directs; Wayans brothers return to franchise since 2001; June 12, 2026 theatrical release; ensemble includes Anna Faris, Regina Hall; script by Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Rick Alvarez.

Over Your Dead Body premieres SXSW March; theatrical April 24 via Independent Film Company; remake of 2021 Norwegian film The Trip; stars Jason Segel, Samara Weaving; directed by Jorma Taccone; produced by 87North, XYZ Films, Resolute Films.

Predator: Badlands Hulu's top film premiere since 2022's Prey; nearly 9M global views in 5 days; highest-grossing Predator film with $184.5M worldwide; directed by Dan Trachtenberg; written by Patrick Aison and Brian Duffield.

Producer Roy Lee reveals A24’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre TV series will focus on Leatherface’s early years, suggesting origin story approach; parallels Lionsgate’s Friday the 13th prequel series; Lee also produced Psycho Killer releasing February 20.

Bleecker Street’s Slanted, a teen body-horror comedy blending satire and sci-fi, opens theatrically March 13; directed by Amy Wang, stars include Mckenna Grace and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan; premiered at SXSW 2025.

Sony delays third 28 Years Later film despite December 2025 announcement; Netflix interested but Danny Boyle insists on theatrical release; sequel underperformed with $25M domestic on $63M budget; Cillian Murphy attached.

New Regency’s Psycho Killer, written by Andrew Kevin Walker, produced by Gavin Polone and Roy Lee; stars Georgina Campbell, Logan Miller; rated R for strong violence and sexual content; theatrical release Feb 20 by Walt Disney Studios/20th Century; co-financed by Constantin Film.

Lionsgate to release Leprechaun 4K Steelbook edition March 17 with new special features including audio commentaries and documentaries; Limited Edition VHS also planned; original film starred Warwick Davis and Jennifer Aniston; horror franchise milestone.

Universal’s The Mummy 4 set for May 19, 2028 release; Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz confirmed to reprise roles; directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett; script by David Coggeshall; franchise grossed $1.8B+ worldwide.

Paramount projects 'Scream 7' opening weekend between $40M-$53M, potentially surpassing 'Scream VI' record; Kevin Williamson returns as director and writer; Neve Campbell and Matthew Lillard reprise roles.

Emma Tammi directs sequel; theatrical release scheduled for December; tickets now available.

Plane sequel Ship canceled two weeks before production after Gerard Butler withdrew; Mike Colter’s character would have led story involving human trafficking on cargo ship; original film grossed $74.5M worldwide on $25M budget.

Québécois musician Peter Peter scored Canadian sports romantic drama Heated Rivalry; series creator Jacob Tierney influenced score; production timeline issues noted.

Bad Bunny stars in Residente’s historical epic Porto Rico about Puerto Rico’s history; co-stars include Edward Norton, Javier Bardem, Viggo Mortensen; script by Residente and Alexander Dinelaris.

Sequel directed by Takashi Yamazaki; production advancing toward late 2026 launch.

Gabriel Bernini's retro 1980s-style slasher 'Blood Barn' debuts exclusively on Screambox, quickly reaching #1 on the platform's streaming charts.

Frostwood Interactive launches Kickstarter and Steam Next Fest demo for hereditary-horror game 'Shutter Story,' targeting Q2 2026 release; campaign ends March 21.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 timeline set in 2017, between 2014's Godzilla and 2019's Godzilla: King of the Monsters; flashbacks centered in 1957; introduces new monster raising stakes.

Four public broadcasters greenlit animated series Globe Bros; regional Canadian support implied; no platform named.

Prime Video's '56 Days,' adapted from Catherine Ryan Howard's book, stars Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia; reached #3 globally and #1 in six countries within a day; 65% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.

ITN Distribution releases Betty’s Revenge, a slasher film starring Hannah Fierman, now available digitally; directed by Brett Bentman, it reimagines Betty Boop as a horror character in a cabaret setting.

Ryan Coogler’s The X-Files reboot casting underway via 20th Television; series to retain classic mix of standalone and mythology episodes; Coogler confirms no confirmed involvement of original leads Duchovny or Anderson.

Star Trek: Legacy TV series shelved; IDW Comics to launch comic series in Sept 2026 focusing on Captain Seven of Nine commanding Enterprise-G; written by Christopher Cantwell.

Persimmon releasing sci-fi thriller Recollection digitally March 19; set in 2033 with memory deletion theme; Black Mirror-style narrative.

Devon Sawa joins Disney supernatural series Coven Academy; set in New Orleans magic school; Sawa known for Final Destination and Chucky.

Netflix’s Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black season 2 part 2 premieres March 19; ensemble cast includes Amber Reign Smith and Charles Malik Whitfield; Perry writes, directs, and EPs; family drama with violent power struggles.

Elizabeth Lo-directed documentary about Chinese infidelity intervention industry; Oscar shortlist for Best Documentary Feature; multiple international festival awards including Venice; premieres Feb 24 on Criterion Channel; Oscilloscope Labs distributing; Lo DGA-nominated.

FilmNomad, partnering with Berlinale Talents and Sundance Institute, presented three Mongolian projects seeking international co-production and funding; initiative evolving into a development lab with global ambitions.

Lionsgate to release 4K Blu-ray of 1996’s The Substitute on March 17; includes new 4K restoration, Dolby Vision/HDR, Dolby Atmos; special features include director Robert Mandel commentary.

Shoresy spinoff on Hulu approaching season 6; potential for more crossovers with Letterkenny characters discussed but no active plans confirmed.

Harker Press releases detailed book on Maniac Cop trilogy by William Lustig, adding to their catalog of horror film scholarship and cult franchise retrospectives.

Jamie Lee Curtis wrapped filming Season 5 of The Bear, with no premiere date announced; previous seasons released late June, and Curtis hinted this may be the final season.

BBC One legal drama The Split Up starring Ritu Arya and Sanjeev Bhaskar set in Manchester’s high-net-worth divorce circuit; six episodes; produced by Sister and Little Chick; created by Ursula Rani Sarma based on Abi Morgan’s The Split.

Bella Ramsey stars in George Jaques' coming-of-age drama about teenage cancer survivors at summer camp; film screened at Berlin festival.

Mel Gibson filming The Resurrection of the Christ sequel in two parts scheduled for 2027 release; Jaakko Ohtonen replaces Jim Caviezel as Jesus; script co-written by Gibson and Randall Wallace; possible partial English language use; production underway with social media set photos.

Sony revives Charlie’s Angels franchise with Pete Chiarelli attached to write; no director or production timeline announced; franchise has multiple previous adaptations dating back to 1976 TV series.

Canadian actor Paul Anthony Kelly portrays JFK Jr. in FX’s Love Story series exploring his life and tragic romance; showrunner Connor Hines; series covers media scrutiny and personal relationships.

Prime Video’s Jury Duty season 2 premieres March 20; 14 new comedic actors; three-episode launch, two episodes March 27, three-episode finale April 3; co-created and exec produced by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky; documentary-style comedy about staged corporate retreat.

Scott Stuber producing; US theatrical release planned.

Netflix spy thriller The Night Agent returns for a third season with Gabriel Basso; new cast additions include Genesis Rodriguez; plot centers on government conspiracy and dark money network; season builds on previous espionage storylines.

Premiere Entertainment Group secured key international sales for Al Bravo Films’ action thrillers The Hook (Michael Jai White, Malin Akerman) and Dustlands (Ruby Rose, Terrence Howard) at EFM; multiple regional deals including Amazon Prime Benelux; both films co-written by directors; producers include Elias Axume and Mike Pizzimenti.

Idris Elba advocates for African filmmakers’ control over capital and distribution to improve representation; executive producer on Berlinale Forum documentary Crocodile by Nigerian YouTubers.

Amanda Seyfried promoted two 2025 releases: musical drama 'The Testament of Ann Lee' and erotic thriller 'The Housemaid' by Paul Feig; both center on strong women; 'Housemaid' box office hit; Seyfried praised quality and female-driven stories.

Oscar-nominated director Carlos López Estrada launches Indie Institute, a $35/month virtual indie filmmaking intensive starting March 22; program offers mentorship from industry pros; Antigravity Academy runs it; Estrada recently completed feature DED.

FutureNARRATIVE Fund launched in Berlin to finance German-Israeli co-productions across film, TV, and theatre; board includes Lili Nagler, Sharon On, Mark Pinhasov; supported by private investors, cultural sponsorships, and public funds; inaugural event features screening of Tom Shoval’s documentary with filmmakers attending.

Juno Films acquired US rights to documentary debut by Manon Ouimet and Jacob Perlmutter, premiering at CPH:DOX 2024; limited US theatrical release April 3; produced by Manon et Jacob and Final Cut for Real; US sale brokered by Mediawan; film explores long-term artist couple's relationship dynamics.

74% of UK film and TV workers considered leaving due to financial stress; 43% have taken steps to exit; freelancers face greater financial hardship and pension insecurity; Film and TV Charity urges coordinated policy and employment reforms including freelancer pension products.

Nirvanna the Band opened with estimated $1.4M US domestic box office; no genre or platform info.

Zootopia 2 grosses $1.8B worldwide with strong Gen Z audience; producer Yvett Merino and co-director Byron Howard discuss animation challenges and audience impact; highlights Gen Z's influence on IP success.

Leslie Mattingly named head of documentary at Wise Child Studios; company expanding nonfiction slate post Netflix’s 'Reality Check'; Mattingly has history with Fremantle, RadicalMedia, History Channel; Wise Child founded 2023.

Jesse Solomon, reality star and singer-songwriter, signed with CAA; also represented by Steel Wool, Millennial Entertainment, Shore Fire Media; cancer survivor; active on Bravo’s Summer House seasons 8-10.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos discusses Netflix's renewed bid for Warner Bros., emphasizing benefits for consumers and commitment to theatrical windows and marketing spend.

Netflix opened 8,500 sqm Mexico City HQ with 400 employees, including 278 sqm post-production; plans 15% workforce growth in 2024; investing $1B over 4 years in local productions; current projects include Mexico 86, Santita, La captura; aims to foster creative collaboration and authentic Mexican storytelling.

Paramount Skydance and Netflix publicly contest Warner Bros Discovery takeover; Paramount criticizes WBD board's waiver and shareholder meeting timing; Netflix holds signed, board-recommended deal and advances regulatory process; Paramount plans tender offer and director nominations at WBD annual meeting.

ESPN replacing Sunday Night Baseball with 'Women’s Sports Sundays' summer primetime hub featuring WNBA and NWSL; nine-week run planned; part of major investment in women’s sports programming; includes bespoke studio shows.

Venue at Rotonde du Lérins beside Palais des Festivals; features Christie and Dolby-equipped screening room with KLS sofas; hosts daily events May 12–20 including round-tables, conferences, and master classes; available for screenings and presentations.

EFM 2026 attendance up 5% with 12,500+ professionals; 606 films screened; 1,794 buyers; new events like Animation Days and Games IP Pitching Sessions well received; increased social media engagement; strong interest in Producers Hub, Innovation Hub, and DocSalon; Berlinale Film School Summit attracted 120+ students from 18 schools.

Director rejects anonymous claims of censorship; emphasizes festival’s artistic independence from German government; acknowledges public anger over Gaza; stresses commitment to diverse voices and safe filmmaker platform.

WBD issues cease and desist to ByteDance over AI bot; WGA West staff union strike alleging unfair labor practices; Netflix MMA fight event scheduled May 16; Wasserman agency faces artist departures; Thrive Capital raises $10B.

Zoe Young, USC MFA 2025, created; 20th Television producing; Chelsea Handler exec producing and starring; Hulu comedy series about reality star and motherhood; Handler repped by Ocean Avenue, WME, Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox.

Belga Films liquidated its Belgian distribution and cinema subsidiary White Cinema due to financial issues; production arms including Belga Studios and nWaveStudios remain operational with new ownership structures; CEO Patrick Vandenbosch now fully owns Independent Film Netherlands.

Neon exploring potential stake sale amid broader Hollywood and media news; no direct genre or Canadian film relevance.

Industry insiders discuss ongoing budget reductions in TV production post-Peak TV era, highlighting impacts of pandemic, 2023 strikes, and tariffs on costs; focus on cost-efficiency for renewals.

Ellis Jacob, Cineplex president and CEO, to receive CinemaCon Legend of Cinema Award for career in exhibition; Cineplex is North America’s fourth largest circuit; Jacob retiring in 2026; award recognizes contributions to theatrical experience and industry leadership.

BFI Flare 2026 includes world premieres of LGBTQIA+ films such as Madfabulous (UK period drama), Beyond The Fire (Japan documentary), and Nigerian feature ìfé: (The Sequel); Russell T Davies to deliver Screen Talk; festival runs March 18-29 at BFI Southbank with 65 features and 62 shorts from 47 countries.

Feature film by Mina Shum currently in production in British Columbia and Hong Kong, indicating a Canadian-international shoot.

Gail Maurice’s film Blood Lines selected for Berlin market, signaling international sales push and festival presence.

Mayumi Yoshida’s Akashi acquired for Canadian and Japanese markets; no platform or production stage disclosed.

Recruitment launched for successor to Susan Newman-Baudais, who retires in September 2026; €27.5m annual budget; 29-person team in Strasbourg; shortlist interviews in June; final appointment by Council of Europe Secretary General.

Netflix’s Bridgerton season 4 leads Canadian demand charts; Crave’s Heated Rivalry remains in digital originals top 10; data from Parrot Analytics for early February.

Stellan Skarsgård earned Golden Globe and Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 'Sentimental Value' directed by Joachim Trier; film received nine Oscar nods including Best Picture; Skarsgård emphasizes ensemble acting.

Comprehensive global festival and market calendar for 2026 including genre events like Romford Horror Festival and FrightFest Glasgow.

Well Go USA acquired US rights to The Yeti; R-rated creature feature with practical effects; stars Brittany Allen, Eric Nelsen, Corbin Bernsen; directed by William Pisciotta and Gene Gallerano; release imminent.

Sony Pictures nearing $25M deal for worldwide rights to creature horror starring Brie Larson; filming planned summer; JT Mollner directing from Brian Duffield script; producers include J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot; based on Philip Fracassi short story; Mollner developing A24 Texas Chainsaw Massacre TV series.

Lee Cronin directs new Mummy film blending Poltergeist and Seven influences; stars Jack Reynor, Laia Costa; opens April 17 in theaters and IMAX; produced by Blumhouse-Atomic Monster and New Line; James Wan and Jason Blum producing; reunites Evil Dead Rise crew.

Daniel John Kearney directs and co-writes experimental horror THE ITINERANT; co-production among Mezek Films, Showstopper Cinema, Black Ave Films, Stag Mountain Films; shooting starts spring in Connecticut; cast includes Hannah Fierman and Chanda Rawlings; TJ Robinson DP and editor.

Brandon Christensen’s sixth feature; co-written with brother Ryan; stars Jaime Callica, Sean Rogerson; Shudder release March 13; found-footage horror from police bodycam POV; Christensen also known for Still/Born, The Puppetman.

Department M, backed by investor consortium, seeks major stake in Neon; co-founded by Mike Larocca and Michael Schaefer; Neon known for Palme d’Or winners and 18 Oscar noms; recent Neon acquisition The Christophers world premiered at TIFF 2025; Department M produced 2025 Hulu horror remake The Hand That Rocks The Cradle with director Michelle Garza Cervera and star Maika Monroe.

Neon acquired North American rights to Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s All Of A Sudden, in post-production after Paris and Kyoto shoots; stars Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto; co-written by Hamaguchi and Léa Le Dimna; international sales led by Cinefrance Studios; co-producers include Japan’s Office Shirous & Bitters End, Germany’s Heimatfilm, Belgium’s Tarantula.

Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator: Badlands set new franchise box office record; director known for genre work; film elevates franchise profile.

Launching combined production and management firm focused on genre projects.

Palmer stars in Peacock's 'The 'Burbs,' an 8-episode mystery-comedy inspired by Joe Dante's cult horror-comedy; expresses intent to expand horror film roles following work in 'Nope' and 'Scream' franchises.

Scream 7 releases February 27 in theaters including premium formats; Kevin Williamson directs and co-writes with Guy Busick; cast includes Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and newcomers; web game Hide & Scream launched to promote film.

Ridley Scott's 2012 'Prometheus' altered Alien franchise lore, shifting xenomorph origins and life cycle; divisive reception contrasted with original 1979 film and James Cameron's sequel.

Shudder adds multiple Lionsgate genre classics to its catalog on March 31, including titles by John Landis, John Carpenter, Rob Zombie, Eli Roth, and Greg McLean, enhancing its horror/thriller streaming offerings.

Indie horror featuring a dog leads to strong box office debut over weekend.

Mahnaz Mohammadi’s second feature, a politically charged psychological drama about an imprisoned Iranian woman, premieres in Berlinale Panorama; notable for innovative cinematography and personal themes.

Tom Noonan, known for horror and genre roles including The Monster Squad and Manhunter, died at 74; remembered by Fred Dekker; career spanned film and TV horror series.

Zombie Sailor's Toys launching action figures for Christophe Gans' 'Return to Silent Hill' film adaptation following theatrical release; collectible line targets horror fans.

Ignite Films releasing Bride of Re-Animator 4K UHD edition June 11; unrated cut; Brian Yuzna directs sequel; written by Zeph E. Daniel and Rick Fry.

Jerry O'Connell apologizes for a criticized scene in Scream 2; Scream 7 releasing Feb 27; discussion on fan reception of Scream 2's legacy.

Black Phone 2 sequel outperforms original on VOD and streaming despite slightly lower box office; continues to build audience post-theatrical.

Psychological thriller Past Life releases digitally March 24 via Miracle Media; UK release April 6; stars Aneurin Barnard and Jeremy Piven; story involves murder investigation through hypnosis; directed by Simeon Halligan from script co-written with Ray Bogdanovich and Dean Lines.

Ulrike Ottinger directs vampire dark comedy starring Isabelle Huppert; two-hour runtime; no distribution or production details.

Scream Factory’s physical media releases now distributed by GRUV, expanding collector access.

Review of 'Redux Redux,' a multiverse revenge thriller focusing on a mother's transformation driven by vengeance; thematic exploration of revenge's cost.

Steven Soderbergh and Adam Driver spent 2.5 years developing Star Wars project The Hunt for Ben Solo with Lucasfilm; despite completed script and budget, Disney canceled it citing disbelief in character’s survival; Soderbergh expressed disappointment.

Launched today in Early Access on Steam by Question; full 1.0 release planned later this year; Early Access chosen to refine gameplay experience.

Electric Monk Media released 3D cinematic horror platformer Strange Brew on Steam with 10% launch discount; features zombie chases and campy horror elements.

Paul Anthony Kelly suggested by fans as Bruce Wayne for James Gunn's DC Universe; no official casting yet for The Brave and the Bold; Gunn's approach to Batman's tone uncertain.

Podcast episode explores John du Pont's wrestling legacy and downfall, blending true crime with sports culture analysis.

Updated UK and Ireland 2026 theatrical release schedule listing titles across genres including horror (Scream 7) and anime.

Romanian-Belgian director Teodora Ana Mihai reworked an initial script to create a historical thriller about the 1985 Heysel disaster, premiering in Berlinale Special with a focus on systemic failures.

James Cameron revealed his Jurassic Park adaptation would have been an R-rated Aliens-style film with dinosaurs; insight into Cameron’s creative approach to genre adaptations.