ScreamWire Daily

A24 is translating internet 'liminal' creepypasta to a feature format under Kane Parsons; casting includes Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor and the film is slated for May 2026 theatrical release.

First full trailer dropped — emphasizes household terror, Egyptian mythology elements and Cronin’s signature close-quarters dread; positions marketing to sell chills over spectacle.

Producer Roy Lee confirms Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil carries an ~$80M+ budget and opens theatrically Sept 18 via Sony; Cregger directs from a script he co-wrote with Shay Hatten — marks sizable budget jump from Cregger’s prior films.

Pre-sale struck at EFM: Sony has taken worldwide rights in a reported pact topping $25M; J.J. Abrams is producing, JT Mollner directing, Brie Larson attached to star; positions the film as a high-end creature feature for global theatrical/distribution push.

Blumhouse developing a Dead by Daylight feature with Alexandre Aja writing and James Wan producing — signals major studio-backed adaptation of a top horror game IP, attaching high-profile genre talent and positioning Blumhouse for franchise potential.

Quiver Distribution will release The Last Temptation of Becky theatrically this summer after production wrapped in Northern Ireland; Lulu Wilson returns, Jenn Wexler directed, Neil Patrick Harris, Brandon Flynn, James Urbaniak and Kate Siegel join the cast, producers include Post Film and BoulderLight Pictures.

Paramount developing horror feature A Little Slice of Hell based on John Goodrich short; David F. Sandberg attached to direct. Greg Weidman & Geoff Tock rewriting (previous draft by Emily V. Gordon). Producers: Maximum Effort, Assemble (Jack Heller, Caitlin de Lisser-Ellen), Lotta Losten. Sandberg's recent credits include Shazam! films and a Screen Gems adaptation of Until Dawn released last April.

Mubi will release Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma theatrically August 7; Jane Schoenbrun wrote and directed; Brad Pitt’s Plan B is a producer; leads include Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson; teaser features new Alex G song with Paul Buchanan.

Variety reports Criterion is adding Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and KPop Demon Hunters to its Collection — a prestige home-video acquisition that raises the titles’ archival/collector visibility (release details not specified).

Insiders tell Variety that preliminary plans are already being plotted for Scream 8 despite franchise turmoil and recent cast exits; Scream 7 opens Feb 27, 2026 — its box office performance could determine whether sequel plans proceed.

NEON is reportedly in talks to sell a significant equity stake to Department M — a move that could change NEON's capital structure and distribution capacity; article does not confirm deal size, valuation, timetable, or strategic terms.

Weekend hold: Send Help declined just 0.8% week‑over‑week domestically indicating strong retention; story also cites Wuthering Heights leading global box office with a $82M global take.

A24 will debut Ian Tuason's horror Undertone in immersive Dolby Cinema venues on March 9 before a wide theatrical roll-out on March 13 — release strategy targets premium sound/format to boost theatrical attendance for a genre title.

Evil Dead 7: article reveals the film's official title and a production status update confirming active work on the project and franchise positioning under Sam Raimi's oversight.

Sam Zimmerman (ex-Shudder) joins the merged Blumhouse‑Atomic Monster as SVP, Development & Acquisitions; will report to Blumhouse President Abhijay Prakash and Atomic Monster President Michael Clear, act as a liaison between the two companies, oversee and produce films in the $2–8M range (including under $5M projects), remain based in NYC, and work with the Divide/Conquer overall deal to incubate emerging genre filmmakers.

Producer Roy Lee reiterates Netflix's BioShock adaptation remains active and shares that production is hoped to begin in the near future; no concrete start date or budget disclosed in headline-level coverage.

Raven Banner will release Ava Maria Safai’s debut social/folklore horror Foreigner this spring after its Fantasia world premiere; Safai wrote, edited and directed, Canadian-Iranian lead Yasamin Karimi stars, distributor is positioning the film around themes of assimilation — release date TBA.

Early estimates project Scream 7 north of $60M worldwide with a US start cited around $40M+; would be the franchise's second-best global launch and follow Scream VI’s record $44.4M domestic opening.

Shudder will debut documentary 1000 WOMEN IN HORROR on March 20; directed by Donna Davies and based on Alexandra Heller‑Nicholas’s book — features interviews with dozens of female creators (Roxanne Benjamin, Akela Cooper, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Lin Shaye, Kate Siegel, etc.), positioning Shudder as distributor for gender-focused genre historiography.

Damien Leone says Terrifier 4 aims to enter pre-production this spring; continues continuity with previous franchise entries but no distributor, budget, or production timeline disclosed.

Paramount set Paranormal Activity (directed by Ian Tuason) for wide release May 21, 2027; co‑financed with Blumhouse‑Atomic Monster. Producers include James Wan, Jason Blum and franchise creator Oren Peli; EPs Michael Clear, Judson Scott and Steven Schneider. Franchise totals exceed $900M worldwide; original film noted for extreme ROI.

A24 producer signals a Texas Chain Saw Massacre TV series is in development and will explore Leatherface's early years — implies A24 expanding IP into serialized TV; no network/platform or series order details disclosed.

Directing return: Matt Bettinelli‑Olpin & Tyler Gillett are directing Ready or Not 2: Here I Come after Adam Robitel was initially attached; film opens March 20; writers Guy Busick & R. Christopher Murphy penned the sequel; Samara Weaving returns and cast includes Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Elijah Wood, Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell, Kevin Durand and David Cronenberg; an 8.5‑minute clip has been released online.

Deborah Kaufmann leaves Legendary to become Sipur Studios’ new chief of global content; role includes development, IP sourcing, acquisitions and partnerships as Sipur builds international studio slate that already includes a Cristin Milioti horror feature.

Shudder acquired US/streaming rights to Hellcat; platform set for a 2026 release as a psychological horror pick-up.

Black Phone 2 buoyed Blumhouse's 2025 box-office after earlier misses; the sequel materially improved the studio's theatrical performance this cycle (article credits it with stabilizing Blumhouse's slate).

Bell Media has taken an investment stake in LA-based podcast studio QCode to co-develop originals and collaborate on marketing/distribution; partnership positions Bell to expand IP pipeline across audio and screen — no financial terms disclosed.

Bloody Disgusting confirms Adam Wingard is no longer directing the Face/Off sequel; no replacement, new timeline, or studio comments included in report.

Toho and director Takashi Yamazaki are progressing on Godzilla Minus Zero with an expected late‑2026 release window — sequel scheduling signals Toho's continued international rollout of flagship IP.

Crave is actively positioning itself for U.S. expansion and international visibility by promoting originals like Heated Rivalry and increasing licensing/marketing efforts to attract U.S. subscribers.

UK/Ireland production slate notes several genre titles shooting: No Way Off (thriller) filming in Northern Ireland starring Maria Bakalova; Seance On A Wet Afternoon in production in the UK; The Riders (A24/Scott Free/Plan B) shooting in Ireland with Brad Pitt attached — useful production locations and key cast for potential horror/thriller sourcing.

Gravitas Ventures acquired distribution rights to the dystopian thriller Undergods — pickup indicates a planned indie/VOD release; item also notes Matthew Penn attached to direct Citizen Skull's Badge Of Trust.

New trailer drops for Mortal Kombat II confirming May 8 theatrical/IMAX release from New Line; Simon McQuoid returns to direct, Jeremy Slater scripted; producers include James Wan and Atomic Monster; Mortal Kombat III already in development with Slater attached.

Warner Bros dates Mortal Kombat II for wide theatrical release May 8; Simon McQuoid returns to direct, Jeremy Slater penned the script; ensemble cast includes Karl Urban as Johnny Cage plus Ludi Lin, Jessica McNamee, Joe Taslim, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tati Gabrielle and Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn — positions this as a studio tentpole fighting-franchise sequel.

Mike Flanagan says Netflix pushed to increase the vampire element during development of Midnight Mass; sheds light on streamer notes vs. creator vision but no deal renegotiation or budget changes reported.

Shudder added multiple Lionsgate catalog titles to its March slate — a catalog licensing push that refreshes the platform's classic-horror lineup and signals ongoing content deals between Shudder/AMC and Lionsgate.

Flanagan reflects that his seven-part horror series was greenlit in a permissive moment for TV; commentary offers context on timing and platform appetite but reveals no new deals or distribution terms.

Keeper underperformed vs. Oz Perkins' prior Neon releases (Longlegs, The Monkey), breaking his recent box-office run and signaling Neon may not guarantee hits even for established festival-honed horror auteurs.

Production begins in Prague on Martin Scorsese’s What Happens at Night (Apple Original Films financing/producing); Jared Harris joins an ensemble including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Patricia Clarkson and Mads Mikkelsen; script by Patrick Marber, adapted from Peter Cameron’s novel.

Signature Entertainment will release The Cure on Digital HD April 13; film stars David Dastmalchian and Ashley Greene, directed by Nancy Leopardi, and centers on a young girl targeted by billionaire adoptees for her blood — positions as midmarket psychological-biotech thriller heading to VOD.

2026 copyright held by XYZ Films.

IFC Films & Shudder released the trailer; cast includes Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp and Emma Chamberlain — positioning film for dual indie theatrical/streaming visibility via IFC and Shudder.

Blumhouse's Imaginary posted its strongest second‑week hold among recent Blumhouse releases since M3GAN, signaling healthier-than-expected theatrical legs for the title.

The CW sets Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 premiere for April 10 at 8pm; show renewed after breakout Netflix U.S. performance (entered weekly chart at No.3 with ~3M views first week). Produced by Fremantle; co-production with Bell Media/Crave (Canada).

Apple Original Films is producing holiday feature Foster the Snowman directed by Hikari (Rental Family). Produced via Kevin Walsh’s The Walsh Company under Apple Studios overall deal; Jake Kasdan and Melvin Mar also producing. Hikari's recent TIFF-premiered Rental Family and TV credits noted.

Neon acquired the new film from Alex Ullom (director of horror title 'It Ends'), positioning the distributor as a buyer of contemporary psychological/horror auteurs.

Smile 2 starring Parker Finn and Naomi Scott is labeled a Paramount+ release—franchise moving to streamer window for at least this sequel, signaling SVOD-first distribution strategy for mid‑budget horror follow‑ups.

Dark Places will have a 'big screen' premiere and will be available across Tubi and Fawesome (plus additional platforms) — release/premiere dates not specified in the announcement.

Crave original drama YAGA has begun production in Canada with a primarily Canadian cast — local shoot signals utilization of Canadian production incentives and domestic crew hiring.

A Tubi executive publicly argues that audiences don't differentiate between professional, creator, or user-made content — signals a platform posture favoring volume/engagement over production provenance.

Features filmmakers Josh Ruben and Chris Landon discussing Heart Eyes, framed as a committed rom‑com slasher blending comedy and horror — signals continued genre hybridizing by indie horror directors.

Posted 12 February 2026.

Tubi is set to lose streaming rights to two 2006 horror-remake titles when current licenses expire — titles and exit dates not disclosed in the piece.

A Blumhouse reboot once derided in theaters has become a steady performer on streaming three years later, suggesting afterlife viewership can rehabilitate divisive IP for the studio.

Production began 13 October 2025; shooting on location in France and Italy for Masterplan.

11 Republican state AGs asked DOJ to scrutinize Netflix's proposed $83B acquisition of Warner Bros. assets, citing risks to competition, streaming prices, theatrical recovery, and US film industry dominance; led by Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers and Montana AG Austin Knudsen.

Netflix shares jumped ~5% after Warner Bros. Discovery disclosed a revised $31-per-share proposal from Paramount Skydance that could be judged a superior bid to Netflix’s existing ~$83B merger; Warner may negotiate with Paramount and would give Netflix limited days to respond if board deems it superior.

Warner Bros. Discovery is evaluating a revised full-company acquisition bid from Paramount/Skydance after a one-week negotiation window; Paramount's prior all-cash hostile offer was $30/sh ($108.4B valuation); Netflix's amended $27.75 bid (all-cash for studios/streaming business) remains on the table; WBD shareholders vote March 20; outcomes subject to regulatory approval.

UK Media Act implements Ofcom 'Tier 1' for VoD services >500k UK users; accessibility quotas: 80% subtitled, 10% audio-described, 5% signed; max fine per breach £250,000 or 5% of qualifying revenue.

Jenna Mattison hired to adapt J.D. Barker's novel A Caller's Game for feature; Barker, Joel Gotler (Intellectual Property Group) and Greg Pedicin to produce; project positioned as high‑stakes thriller (’Die Hard’ meets ‘Talk Radio’); marks Mattison's second collaboration with Barker — previous series at UCP still in development.

Collider exclusive surfaces fresh BioShock update after three-year quiet period — confirms active development under Netflix with producer Roy Lee attached; new production timeline or deal terms not disclosed in headline excerpt.

Hulu has given a pilot greenlight to Ryan Coogler’s revival of The X‑Files via Onyx Collective and 20th Television; Danielle Deadwyler cast as co-lead and Jennifer Yale attached as showrunner — Coogler promises a scarier take, signaling a major genre prestige TV reboot at a top streamer.

Amazon MGM Studios developing a psychological-thriller series adaptation of Jo Spain’s novel (UK publication July 2); Angela Kang (former Walking Dead showrunner) will write and EP alongside Mandy Safavi via Kang & Co; Spain also EP; project is in development while Kang remains under a multi-year overall deal at Amazon MGM.

Producer confirms Psycho Killer sequel plans and provides status update on the franchise's future; no budget, release window, or distributor details provided in the excerpt.

Trade preview estimates Scream 7 will open north of $40M domestic, positioning it as the year's biggest launch; coverage cites franchise momentum and star-driven marketing lift.

Netflix sets The Boroughs (Duffer Brothers) premiere for May 21, 2026; first-look images released suggesting 1980s-tinged supernatural mystery tone.

Sony is reportedly developing a direct sequel to the 2025 I Know What You Did Last Summer; the 2025 film grossed $65M worldwide and was the franchise’s lowest earner; Jennifer Love Hewitt is being eyed to reprise Julie James in a larger role and Brandy Norwood is in talks to return as Karla—writer‑director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is unlikely to come back.

Peacock secures exclusive streaming window for the full Leprechaun franchise (all main entries plus 2014 Origins) beginning March 1, consolidating franchise availability ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.

IllFonic debuts the first playable demo of the Halloween asymmetrical stealth game at PAX East (March 26–29); panel on March 28 will feature Malek Akkad and virtual appearance by John Carpenter as the team pursues a Guinness World Record for largest Michael Myers gathering — marks cross-platform franchise expansion and fan engagement ahead of release.

Featurette reveals Isabel May plays Tatum, the daughter of Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott; Kevin Williamson frames Tatum’s vulnerability as a result of Sidney keeping her past secret; new marketing push ahead of Scream 7’s Feb 27 theatrical release.

Production recently wrapped in Los Angeles; supernatural topical horror follows a family inheriting a decaying estate; cast includes Bill Moseley, Vincent Kartheiser, David Koechner, Natalie Zea and David Mazouz; first image revealed.

Netflix sets animated Stranger Things spinoff Tales From ’85 to premiere April 23, 2026; showrunner Eric Robles and Flying Bark Animation lead the project, with executive producers the Duffer Brothers, Shawn Levy/21 Laps and Upside Down Pictures; new voice cast announced and series explores non-apocalyptic, localized horrors in Hawkins.

Trachtenberg's Predator: Badlands set a new franchise box-office record (headline claim); positions director as a bankable genre name for studios pursuing legacy IP.

Premiere Entertainment Group closed EFM sales for thriller Nightingale (dir. William Kaufman) — buyers include Tiberius (Germany), Program Store (France), Contracorriente (Spain), Scene & Scene (S Korea), Eagle Films (Middle East); cast: LaMonica Garrett, Jason Patric; PEG also handling late additions including supernatural thriller The Last Time (Shane Brady) with Chandler Riggs in ensemble.

Vertical Entertainment will release Luc Besson’s Dracula: A Love Tale in theaters Feb 6, 2026; casting includes Caleb Landry Jones and Christoph Waltz — Besson frames the film as a centuries-spanning romantic take on Stoker rather than a straight creature feature.

Scream Factory's physical-media slate (4K/Blu‑Ray) has moved to GRUV, signaling consolidation of cult/genre catalog distribution and a new home for physical collectors.

China's Lunar New Year frame generated $647.4M; Pegasus 3 led with $369.3M (Feb 17–22) and is pacing toward ~$1B; domestic Hollywood leader so far is Wuthering Heights at $152M; several Chinese thrillers (including Scare Out at $110M) powered the weekend.

A regional film festival is soliciting donations after government funding cuts — signals tightening public funding that could squeeze festival programming and indie (including genre) film exposure in that market.

New Five Nights at Freddy's 2 trailer released and tickets now on sale; Emma Tammi directing, theatrical release scheduled for December — sequel rollout ramps marketing and likely theatrical-first strategy.

Prime Video release set for March 25; SXSW premiere March 13. Cast includes Uma Thurman, Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds and Maddie Ziegler; Vicky Jewson directs from a Kate Freund script; producers include Kelly McCormick, Mike Karz, William Bindley and Piers Tempest.

Teaser for Atomic Monster's feature Backrooms highlights production design and atmosphere across multiple 'creepy rooms'; confirms sci-fi horror tone and that the film is in promotional rollout (teaser released) but gives no release date or budget.

CREATORVC launched final pre‑sales for a 5+ hour documentary on John Carpenter's The Thing; Kurt Russell attached to participate; positioned as a mega‑sized deep dive following CREATORVC's previous successful genre docs.

Trailer released for The Yeti, a snowy creature-feature starring Jim Cummings; Well Go USA is handling distribution coverage on the title.

Indie Bigfoot horror Squatch hits VOD March 10 via Freestyle Digital Media; directed by Tom Chaney (co‑written with Bill Conger) and starring ex‑wrestler Jacob Southwick; produced by Tom Chaney, Jerry Land, Lawrence Berman and Andrew Ruth.