As Blumhouse marks its 15th anniversary, studio head Jason Blum reflects on both the successes and shortcomings of his horror ventures in a revealing interview. Highlighting hits like M3GAN and disappointments such as M3GAN 2.0, he shares insights into his regrets and aspirations for the future of the studio. Notably absent from Blumhouse’s horror lineup will be a take on the iconic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, following an unsuccessful bid for the franchise’s rights.
“We were in the mix. The deal isn’t closed, but we probably won’t get it,” Blum stated in a conversation with Variety. Reports suggest that A24, with its team led by Glen Powell, is the leading contender for the franchise. While we don’t have details on what a Blumhouse version of Texas Chain Saw would entail, Blum expressed, “I like taking IP that people are cynical about and turning expectations on their head.”
Blumhouse’s reinvention strategy is evident in their handling of the Halloween franchise. The excitement around David Gordon Green’s reboot trilogy waned with each sequel, and the studio no longer controls the rights. “We don’t own the rights anymore. I had a three-picture deal,” Blum acknowledged, though he remains open to future collaborations, stating, “I would do another Halloween movie.”
Currently, Blumhouse does have the rights to the long-standing Saw franchise, but specific plans for its future remain under wraps. “It’s really hard to make 10 movies in a franchise—I don’t take that away from the original series’ producers,” Blum noted. He appreciates their contributions and aims to involve original creators, saying, “James Wan [the original director] will be hugely involved. That’s how we’re going to reinvent it.”
What dream projects is Blum pursuing? His top two picks might surprise you. “Friday the 13th and Freddy Krueger, those are my two white whales,” he revealed during the interview, but both franchises are currently tied up with other studios.
“We’re always haggling. I make a run at them every day. I will never give up the quest,” Blum shared. His persistence underscores his commitment to bringing beloved properties back to life. “And if they make one without me, I’ll chase the next movie,” he added, indicating he will remain vigilant in securing these iconic characters.
Curious about Blumhouse’s future moves? Are they focusing solely on existing franchises?
While Blum focuses on established franchises, he also aims to discover new original stories that captivate horror fans. This blend of old and new keeps the studio relevant in an increasingly crowded genre.
Could Blumhouse expand its genres beyond horror?
For now, Blumhouse is synonymous with horror, though Blum has hinted at the possibility of exploring different genres if the right opportunity presents itself.
What lessons has Blum learned after 15 years in the industry?
Blum emphasizes the importance of innovation and creative collaboration, advocating for involving original creators in projects to harness the magic they bring to the table.
The future of Blumhouse looks promising as the studio continues to push boundaries and transcend expectations. As a fan of horror, it’s thrilling to think about what’s next from a team that knows how to surprise and engage audiences.
For those hungry for more updates on the latest horror films and television series, Moyens I/O is a fantastic resource to explore.