Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi Join Forces for Chilling New Horror
Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi are set to produce a religious horror film for Universal, inspired by Dylan Clark’s viral short Portrait of a God, which has captivated millions online.
Genre enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as two of horror’s most inventive minds, Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi, are collaborating with Universal on a fresh take within the religious horror sphere. Their latest project draws from Dylan Clark’s widely-shared short film, Portrait of a God, which has racked up over 8.6 million views since its debut in August 2022. The original short, running just seven minutes, follows Mia Reilly, a young woman grappling with her beliefs while examining a mysterious painting of a divine figure.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Creative Team
Peele, through his Monkeypaw Productions, will produce alongside Win Rosenfeld, known for his work on Candyman, Him, and Nope. Raimi, meanwhile, is producing with Joe Russo of Ghost House Pictures, who will also co-write the screenplay with Clark. Romel Adam joins the production team as well. The creative partnership promises a distinctive blend of psychological tension and supernatural intrigue, hallmarks of both Peele’s and Raimi’s previous work.
Portrait of a God: From Viral Sensation to Feature Film
The short film’s premise, centred on a young woman’s internal struggle with faith as she studies a haunting portrait, has resonated with viewers worldwide. Its success online has paved the way for a full-length adaptation, with expectations high for a nuanced exploration of belief, doubt, and the unknown. The feature is anticipated to expand upon the original’s unsettling atmosphere, delving deeper into the psychological and spiritual themes that made the short so compelling.
Other Projects on the Horizon
Before turning his attention to the new adaptation, Raimi is set to release a “darkly comedic” horror-thriller titled Send Help. The film stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien as Linda Liddle and her overbearing colleague Bradley Preston, who find themselves stranded on a remote island after a business trip goes awry. What begins as a routine journey quickly descends into chaos, forcing the pair to confront their differences in a desperate fight for survival.
Meanwhile, Peele is developing his fourth feature, which was initially slated for a Christmas 2024 release. However, due to scheduling changes and industry strikes, the project has been postponed and removed from Universal’s release calendar, leaving fans eager for updates on his next directorial venture.