Could Blumhouse reviveScreamandHellraisernext? Blumhouse Productions has made a serious name for themselves in recent years. The studio produces micro-budget horror movies that often spawn franchises likeParanormal ActivityorThe Purge. They also churn out huge hits such asGet OutandSplit, just to name a couple. Last year, they revived Michael Myers on the big screen withHalloween, which was made in partnership with Miramax. As it happens, that may have opened a much larger door.
Jason Blum, head of Blumhouse, has expressed his desire to take on other known franchises in the past, having specifically citedScream, as well asThe CrowandFriday the 13th. During a recent interview to promoteHappy Death Day 2U, Blum was asked specifically aboutScreamandHellraiser, since they’re both under the Miramax banner. Here’s what Blum had to say about it.
Yes, we definitely have [discussed it]. We’re looking,there’s nothing happening with either one of those things, but we’re definitely looking at it, and it’s definitely something I’d be open to."
Both of these franchises could use some freshening up.Screamhas been dormant since Scream 4 hit theaters in 2011, which grossed a franchise-low $97 million. As forHellraiser, that series has been churning out direct-to-video entries somewhat steadily, since 2000, with itsmost recent entry Judgmentarriving just last year. But It would be tough to argue that Pinhead and the Cenobites are in tip-top shape currently, and none of the movies have been released theatrically sinceBloodlinein 1996.
This follows comments made by Miramax CEO Bill Block last year. Block was also asked aboutScreamandHellraiserand explained that the studio is looking to do more licensing with their properties, given how well that went withHalloween. Couple his comments with what Jason Blum is saying now and it’s pretty clear they are looking to expand the scope of this partnership withBlumhouse.
“[Halloween] was a Miramax license, and you’ll see more of these coming from the studio now… I will have some things to share with you. You mentioned something there that we’re working on, two things in there that we’re working on. This is going to be a part of the new program.”
Halloweengrossed $253 million worldwide, making it a tremendous success. There are plans for a sequel, with Jason Blum recently expressing his desire to make ten of them, even though Blumhouse doesn’t have the rights for the sequel worked out quite yet. Setting that aside, the profitability and critical reception toHalloweenshould give Miramax confidence to open up this partnership and let Blumhouse have a stab atGhostfaceand Pinhead in the future. Done correctly, both franchises could easily see similar success. We’ll be sure to keep you posted as any further details on these projects are made available. This news was first reported byCinemaBlend.
