Tag: jason-blum

  • San Diego Comic-Con 2025: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Panel

    Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.
    Toy Freddy in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Blumhouse brought ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ to San Diego Comic-Con.
    • Stars Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lillard were in attendance.
    • Footage was screened for fans.

    The first adaptation of cult horror video game ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ was a big hit for Universal and Blumhouse (and became the highest-grossing horror title of 2023), so naturally, a sequel is on the way.

    And Team Blumhouse brought actors Josh HutchersonTeo Briones, Piper Rubio, and Theodus Crane alongside director Emma Tammi and producer/Blumhouse boss Jason Blum to this year’s San Diego Comic-Con to talk up the new movie.

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    ‘Five Night’s at Freddy’s 2’ faces plenty of pressure to deliver, especially in light of recent disappointments such as ‘M3GAN 2.0’. But the enthusiasm for this one certainly appears high.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s

    What’s the story of ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’?

    (L to R)Abby (Piper Rubio), Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.
    (L to R)Abby (Piper Rubio), Mike (Josh Hutcherson) and Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.

    One year has passed since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. The stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a campy local legend, inspiring the town’s first ever Fazfest.

    Former security guard Mike (Hutcherson) and police officer Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) have kept the truth from Mike’s 11-year-old sister, Abby (Piper Rubio), concerning the fate of her animatronic friends.

    But when Abby sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, it will set into motion a terrifying series of events, revealing dark secrets about the true origin of Freddy’s, and unleashing a long–forgotten horror hidden away for decades.

    What happened at the ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Comic-Con panel?

    (L to R) Josh Hutcherson and Director Emma Tammi on the set of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.
    (L to R) Josh Hutcherson and Director Emma Tammi on the set of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. Photo: Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Studios.

    With Tammi and Blum taking the stage first, Tammi offered up word that we can expect more than three times the amount of animatronics this time around.

    Briones plays a new character, named Alex, who is a videographer with web show about paranormal activity. He’ll get more than he bargains for!

    Rubio’s Abby has developed an interest in robotics since her encounters with Freddy and co. last time. She’s lonely, and has no friends to talk to… So she makes some.

    As for Hutcherson’s Mike, he’s still trying to live something close to a normal life. This is what the actor had to say:

    “Mike and Abby went through a lot… Mike is just wanting to get back to somewhat of a normal life, but that just can’t happen in the ‘Freddy’s’ world. Mike is in a way, trying to fake it till you make it without fully working through all that stuff that happened, and then it happens to him again! Poor Mike.”

    Skeet Ulrich is also in the cast for the new movie, and he arrived on stage. He had this to say about his character:

    “I play somebody with a very particular and specific past and somebody with a very deep emotional tie to what’s going on.”

    Blum, for his part, promises that if audiences embrace the new movie as much as the first, he and his team are excited to make a third.

    When will ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ be in theaters?

    The sequel will be scaring up more animatronic horror on December 5th.

    Withered Chica in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.
    Withered Chica in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’, directed by Emma Tammi. Photo: Universal Pictures. © Universal Pictures.

    Selected Blumhouse Movies:

    Buy Blumhouse Movies On Amazon

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  • Octavia Spencer Returning in Sequel to 2019’s ‘Ma’

    Octavia Spencer in 2019's 'Ma'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Octavia Spencer in 2019’s ‘Ma’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Octavia Spencer will return for a ‘Ma’ sequel.
    • Blumhouse announced the movie at its inaugural “Business of Fear” event.
    • No director is attached yet.

    The Blumhouse team, for all of its dedication to making original movies, has not been shy about commissioning sequels to its successes, and building franchises, albeit still making titles on a thrifty budget.

    At the company’s recent “Business of Fear” event, boss Jason Blum, in collaboration with creative partner James Wan of Atomic Monster (the two companies signed a pact to work together), announced that one such movie getting the follow-up treatment is 2019 thriller ‘Ma,’ with star Octavia Spencer confirmed to return.

    While the original movie was written by Scotty Landes and directed by Tate Taylor, we don’t yet know who will be working on the sequel.

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    Here’s Blum talking about the new movie in a statement:

    “ ‘Ma’ has proven to be a social phenomenon since its release in 2019, with fans eagerly embracing the film and Octavia’s iconic performance as Ma. As Ma likes to say ‘don’t make me drink alone,’ so we’re thrilled Octavia will join us again for a second round.”

    Related Article: Blumhouse Boss Jason Blum Teases ‘King Spawn’ Script on Social Media

    What was the story of ‘Ma’?

    Octavia Spencer and the cast of 2019's 'Ma'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Octavia Spencer and the cast of 2019’s ‘Ma’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    The original film followed a group of high schoolers (played by Diana Silvers, Corey Fogelmanis, McKaley Miller, Gianni Paolo and Dante Brown) who find an unlikely, intergenerational friend in Sue Ann Ellington, a lonesome veterinarian and devoted party animal played by Spencer.

    The woman, affectionately called “Ma,” allows the teens to party in her basement, but things get bloody once their relationship starts to sour –– as it turns out, “Ma” has a complicated history with the several of the teens’ parents. And she’s out for vengeance…

    Where might a ‘Ma’ sequel go?

    Octavia Spencer in 2019's 'Ma'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Octavia Spencer in 2019’s ‘Ma’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    That’s the big question at this point –– and spoiler alert if you didn’t see the first movie.

    ‘Ma’ ends with Sue Ann stabbed and cuddling with the dead body of her own high school crush, Ben (Luke Evans) as her house starts to burn down around her.

    But if we’ve learned anything from horror movies in the past, it’s that the villain, especially one as complicated as Sue Ann, rarely lets a little thing like presumably certain death get in the way of returning.

    There are any number of avenues this potential follow-up could take –– even a prequel is possible. But our money is on Ma getting back to her old ways, and likely looking to exact revenge on more people, especially those who survived the original.

    Where else can we find Octavia Spencer?

    Octavia Spencer as Kimberly in Apple TV+'s 'Spirited .'
    Octavia Spencer as Kimberly in Apple TV+’s ‘Spirited .’

    From her early days in tiny supporting roles (blink and miss her in the likes of Sam Raimi’s ‘Spider-Man,’ ‘Being John Malkovich’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’), Spencer has steadily grown into a versatile performer who can pull off both comedy and drama –– and often both together in one performance.

    She’s memorable in a wealth of roles but enjoyed a big breakout via ‘The Help’ (also directed by longtime friend Taylor), for which she won a Best Actress in a Supporting Role Oscar for her portrayal of Minny Jackson.

    Elsewhere, she scored further nominations for her work in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’ and was most recently seen in Apple TV+ holiday movie ‘Spirited.’

    And in TV terms, she’s been equally busy, including another Apple project, drama series ‘Truth be Told.’

    Spencer is also active as a producer, setting up various projects to appear in, but also helping filmmakers get their projects made.

    What else did Blumhouse announce at its event?

    Jigsaw in 2023's 'Saw X'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    Jigsaw in 2023’s ‘Saw X’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    Among the other projects that Jason Blum and others announced at the event is an adaptation of paranormal horror video game title ‘Phasmophobia.’

    That was released in 2020, developed and published by British indie game studio Kinetic Games. The game has surpassed 23 million in global sales and has become a genre-defining title in multiplayer horror gaming.

    The game is an investigation survival game played from a first-person point of view. The player can work alone or with a group of people to identify the type of ghost haunting a specific location. No talent is attached to that one yet.

    And that wasn’t the only news, as Blum also brought word that the company is in the midst of a deal to acquire the rights to venerable horror franchise ‘Saw’ from Twisted Pictures’ Mark Burg and Oren Koules.

    Lionsgate will continue to be involved as a partner and continue to own 50% of the franchise.

    Most notably, it brings the movie series closer back to Wan, who co-wrote with Leigh Whannell and directed the 2004 movie that kicked the whole saga off. He’s since served as an executive producer on the other films.

    An 11th movie has been in development, and at one point had been scheduled for this September. But creative differences have led to it stalling –– hopes are likely high that Wan and co. can get things back on track.

    Here’s what Blum told IndieWire about the team’s process these days:

    “It’s much harder to do what we started doing 15 years ago. So the way that we’ve addressed that is by adding a bit of money to our model; but still, by studio standards, for instance, the budgets of our movies are 60% off the average sticker price, actually probably more, 75% off, the average sticker price.”

    When will the ‘Ma’ sequel stalk on to screens?

    It’s very early in the process for this one, despite the announcement and Spencer’s involvement, the movie has yet to confirm a director (though Taylor could always be tempted back) and Blumhouse hasn’t set a release date.

    Presumably, that will all be firmed up once the movie actually has a creative plan in place.

    'M3GAN' producer and CEO of Blumhouse Productions Jason Blum.
    ‘M3GAN’ producer and CEO of Blumhouse Productions Jason Blum.

    Selected Blumhouse Movies:

    Buy Blumhouse Movies On Amazon

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  • Why Blumhouse Is The ‘Saw’ Franchise’s Best Chance

    Jigsaw in 2023's 'Saw X'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    Jigsaw in 2023’s ‘Saw X’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    Preview:

    • Saw XI was canceled by Lionsgate in March 2025
    • Blumhouse is reportedly in talks with Twisted Pictures to acquire their portion of the Saw franchise
    • Blumhouse is by far the best fit, and the Saw franchise’s only real hope of survival

    Help us Jason Blum, you’re our only hope.

    The ‘Saw’ movies are wildly popular in the horror community, so when Lionsgate canceled the eleventh installment, fans were devastated. The reasoning for the cancellation is even more frustrating, as it seems to stem from disagreements between the producers and Lionsgate. Not being able to put their differences aside, the project was removed from release calendars. It felt as if all hope was lost for these beloved films to continue.

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    While the franchise has its ups and downs, it really found its footing with the return of Tobin Bell as Jigsaw in ‘Saw X’. The fanbase was reinvigorated and waiting on the edge of their seats to see what traps were in store for us in ‘Saw XI’. Now that Blumhouse has entered the picture, things are looking up. Out of all the studios that could acquire the rights, they are the perfect fit. Here’s why.

    Related Article: ‘Now You See Me 3,’ ‘Ballerina’ at Lionsgate’s CinemaCon Presentation

    Blumhouse Will Make Sure The Saw Franchise Stays The Same

    2004's 'Saw'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    2004’s ‘Saw’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    The ‘Saw’ movies simply do not work without the use of unique and thrilling traps. The whole premise of these films is people being forced to play horrific games that test their will to live. The victims have often done something in their past to put them on Jigsaw’s radar, and most of them do not make it out alive.

    What has made this franchise stand out among others is the traps. Fans are so obsessed with them that there are multiple rankings found online, and if one falls flat, they are sure to make noise about it. If put in the wrong hands, the ‘Saw’ franchise could easily go downhill.

    The studio behind it needs to not only have confidence in what they can do for the movies, but they also need to ensure the new films capture the feel of the previous ones. There is no need for a revival or reboot; what comes next must be a continuation. Blumhouse will absolutely be willing to do this, while other studios could think of this acquisition as an opportunity to start all over again.

    Blumhouse Knows How To Deliver A Great Horror Movie

    M3GAN in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    M3GAN in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Blumhouse is by far the perfect home for the ‘Saw’ franchise. If it cannot be Twisted Pictures anymore, it should be them. The studio knows the horror business inside and out. They have projects that fill every corner of the genre – from comedy horrors like ‘M3gan’, to thrillers like ‘The Black Phone’, to outright terrifying movies like ‘Insidious’, and everything in between.

    Being such a well-loved franchise, it is scary to see the ‘Saw’ movies with a new studio at the helm. Switching hands is often a death sentence because the new films can lose what made the older ones what they were. If anyone can be trusted with the future of ‘Saw’, however, it is Blumhouse. Not only do they know what they are doing, but they have a passion for the genre, which is apparent whenever you watch one of their films.

    Blumhouse puts their heart and soul into making movies for the fans, and ‘Saw’ will be no different. The fact that they are the saviors riding in on white horses is a testament to Jason Blum and his team. This does not feel like a cash grab but rather a way to ensure these films keep coming because of the love they have for horror as a whole. Surely, they appreciate what these movies do for the genre and do not want to see that end.

    Jason Blum Welcomes Collaboration

    'M3GAN' producer and CEO of Blumhouse Productions Jason Blum.
    ‘M3GAN’ producer and CEO of Blumhouse Productions Jason Blum.

    Considering the fact that Saw XI was canceled because of an internal dispute, another reason Blumhouse is the perfect choice to acquire the rights is because CEO Jason Blum welcomes collaboration and creativity. He works closely with James Wan of Atomic Monster, and while the two surely have disagreements behind closed doors from time to time, they don’t ever let it affect their films.

    There have been many interviews with directors and producers who have worked with him, and they never have anything bad to say. In fact, they praise the way he believes in them. It is known in the industry that he is open to any and all ideas and that he is always willing to put trust in his team. Blumhouse’s production model is to make films on a smaller budget and allow the directors creative freedom to do what they feel is best. Blum is known for working with indie filmmakers to help them bring their vision to life.

    Jigsaw in 2023's 'Saw X'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    Jigsaw in 2023’s ‘Saw X’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    Blumhouse recently put on their first ‘The Business Of Fear’ event in Los Angeles, where they spent nearly an hour breaking down the horror genre and discussing why it is thriving. Horror films are made for the big screen, and Jason Blum expressed that a theatrical experience is always the right way to see a scary movie. Just listening to him speak for that long with such vigor and excitement made it quite clear how much these movies mean to him.

    ‘Saw’ would be in good hands with Blumhouse because not only will they ensure the new movies feel cohesive to the previous ones, but they also know how to do horror right, and they are passionate about the genre. If anyone can pull this off, it is them.

    With Twisted Pictures crumbling, it is time for them to pass the torch. Jason Blum is standing by, at the ready, and is the obvious choice. It is a little nerve-wracking knowing these producers are arguing with one another. Hopefully they can come together and do with is right, if for no one else than for the fans who have invested twenty-one years in this franchise and do not want to see it come to an end.

    Tobin Bell in 2004's 'Saw'. Photo: Lionsgate Films.
    Tobin Bell in 2004’s ‘Saw’. Photo: Lionsgate Films.

    Movies In The ‘Saw’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Saw’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Blumhouse Touts ‘King Spawn’ Screenplay

    'Todd McFarlane's Spawn'.
    ‘Todd McFarlane’s Spawn’. Photo: HBO Animation.

    Preview:

    • Producer Jason Blum has revealed the script cover for ‘King Spawn’.
    • Matt Mixon, Malcolm Spellman and Scott Silver are credited with the new draft.
    • There is no word on what this means for creator Todd McFarlane’s directorial ambitions.

    If there is one complicated comic book character whose ongoing development woes can rival that of Marvel’s ‘Blade’, it’s surely Todd McFarlane’s hellish antihero ‘Spawn’.

    The latest incarnation has been through the wringer, even with McFarlane constantly talking about his plans for it. At last, though, there appears to be some positive momentum as Blumhouse boss Jason Blum –– his company agreed to co-produce a new movie years ago –– took to social media with a cover page for a version called ‘King Spawn’.

    What’s the story of ‘Spawn’?

    'Todd McFarlane's Spawn'.
    ‘Todd McFarlane’s Spawn’. Photo: HBO Animation.

    Created in 1992 by McFarlane for Image Comics, the character is a former black-ops agent who makes a deal with a demon after being betrayed and killed. The demon allows him to return to Earth, but when he returns, five years have passed, his wife has moved on, and he roams Earth as a disfigured spawn of hell.

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    What has happened with ‘Spawn’ so far?

    Michael Jai White in 1997's 'Spawn'.
    Michael Jai White in 1997’s ‘Spawn’. Photo: New Line Cinema.

    Spawn has been the subject of a successful animated series and a movie in 1997 that didn’t score with critics or audiences and barely made its money back.

    At the San Diego Comic-Con in 2017, McFarlane confirmed that he’d partnered with the Blumhouse team to make an R-rated new movie adaptation.

    Yet ever since then, it has been a stream of announcements countered with delays, one-step-forward-two-steps-back momentum and no sign of bigger studio backing.

    Jamie Foxx and Jeremy Renner were cast in the lead role of Al Simmons and Twitch Williams, but elsewhere there was talk of endless script re-writes and McFarlane getting frustrated with the process.

    It has been a couple of years since our last concrete update –– that would be the hiring of writers Matt Mixon (‘The Milwaukee Project’), Scott Silver (‘Joker’) and Malcolm Spellman (‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ and the upcoming ‘Captain America: Brave New World’).

    Related Article: ‘Joker’s Scott Silver and ‘Falcon and Winter Soldier’s Malcolm Spellman to Write ‘Spawn’

    What’s next for ‘Spawn’?

    'Todd McFarlane's Spawn'.
    ‘Todd McFarlane’s Spawn’. Photo: HBO Animation.

    Interestingly, McFarlane only has a creator credit here, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for his input going forward. Is he still involved as director? Blum doesn’t say. Will Foxx and Renner still star? Unclear.

    But judging from the title, the ‘King Spawn’ script adapts McFarlane’s eponymous run of the comics that launched in 2021.

    Here’s what McFarlane told ComicBook.com last year when the writers were announced:

    “My original plan has gotten tripped up a bit. We’re bringing on A-list people. Not just one, but multiple A-list people… What they’re not going to want is to do a cheap, low-budget movie with all of these big-name people on it. That’s not why they’re signing up. They’re not looking for a big extravaganza. But they’re also not looking for an 8 million dollar horror movie budget.”

    Right now, the script page is all we have. But at least it’s something…

    'Todd McFarlane's Spawn'.
    ‘Todd McFarlane’s Spawn’. Photo: HBO Animation.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Spawn’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Spawn’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Where You Can Watch ‘The Exorcist: Believer’

    (from left) Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom, Jr.) in 'The Exorcist: Believer,' directed by David Gordon Green.
    (from left) Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom, Jr.) in ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ directed by David Gordon Green.

    The cult horror classic makes its return with a brand new chapter in ‘The Exorcist: Believer.’ Helmed by director David Gordon Green (‘Halloween Kills’), the film follows two families connected by their daughters’ mysterious disappearance in the woods.

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    Where Can I Watch ‘The Exorcist: Believer’?

    Tony (Norbert Leo Butz), Katherine (Olivia O’Neill) and Miranda (Jennifer Nettles) in 'The Exorcist: Believer,' directed by David Gordon Green.
    (L to R) Tony (Norbert Leo Butz), Katherine (Olivia O’Neill) and Miranda (Jennifer Nettles) in ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ directed by David Gordon Green.

    The film premiered in the United States on October 6, 2023, kicking off the horror season. Originally, ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ was set to be released on October 13, but shifted its date to avoid competing with ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,’ which became a mega box office hit, grossing over $92 million during the opening weekend.

    Producer and Blumhouse founder Jason Blum acknowledged this on his X (formerly Twitter) account by quoting a Taylor Swift song, “Look what you made me do. The Exorcist: Believer moves to 10/6/23.”

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ Movie Showtimes

    ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ became available on PVOD on October 24, 2023, only 18 days after its theatrical release. The reason may be due to the film’s poor reception with both critics and audiences alike, with 22% critics score and 59% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

    For those who missed the movie on the big screen or just prefer to watch horror flicks at home, ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ is available digitally on services such as Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can rent the film for $19.99 or purchase it for $29.99.

    ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ has a total runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes.

    Buy ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ On Amazon

    When Will ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ Be Available To Stream?

    Director David Gordon Green on the set of 'The Exorcist: Believer.'
    Director David Gordon Green on the set of ‘The Exorcist: Believer.’

    The movie was released by Universal Pictures, and the film will be streaming on its streaming platform Peacock on December 1, 2023. For other films in ‘The Exorcist’ franchise, you can find it streaming on platforms such as Peacock, Prime Video, Max, or Hulu.

    Where to Watch: ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ Online

    Related Article: ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ Sees David Gordon Green Following Up Another Classic Horror

    A Brand New Chapter To A Classic Horror

    Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom, Jr.) and Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) in 'The Exorcist: Believer,' directed by David Gordon Green.
    (L to R) Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom, Jr.) and Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) in ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ directed by David Gordon Green.

    ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ is technically a reboot, as it introduces brand new characters and stories. However, the movie very much exists within ‘The Exorcist’ world as director David Gordon Green brings Ellen Burstyn into the film to reprise her role as Chris MacNeil – Regan’s mother in the 1970 original.

    Fans were delighted to learn about Burstyn’s return, as the trailer shows her speaking with a possessed Katherine, “We’ve met before. But I’m not talking to you now”. Katherine’s demonic voice responds with, “Are you looking for Regan?” alluding to her daughter’s brush with demonic possession and exorcism.

    Much like horror icon Jamie Lee Curtis’ return to the latest ‘Halloween’ franchise (also helmed by David Gordon Green), fans may be expecting Burstyn’s appearance in the film to have the same effect. However, her role is not as significant as the trailer makes it out to be. Instead, the story focuses on the two families – Victor (Leslie Odom Jr.) and his daughter Angela (Lidya Jewett) and Katherine’s (Olivia Marcum) parents.

    The film also explores other cultures’ ideas of exorcism, taking it beyond the Catholic church.

    Watch the official trailers for ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ below:

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    The official synopsis for ‘The Exorcist: Believer’:

    “Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago, Victor Fielding (Tony winner and Oscar nominee Leslie Odom, Jr.; ‘One Night in Miami,’ ‘Hamilton‘) has raised their daughter, Angela (Lidya Jewett, ‘Hidden Figures‘) on his own. But when Angela and her friend Katherine (newcomer Olivia Marcum) disappear in the woods, only to return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, it unleashes a chain of events that will force Victor to confront the nadir of evil and, in his terror and desperation, seek out the only person alive who has witnessed anything like it before: Chris MacNeil.”

    Who Is In The Cast of ‘The Exorcist: Believer’?

    The movie stars Lesie Odom Jr as Victor Fielding, Lidya Jewett as Angela Fielding, Olivia Marcum as Katherine, Jennifer Nettles as Miranda, Norbert Leo Butz as Tony, Ann Dowd as Ann, and Ellen Burstyn reprises her role as Chris MacNeil.

    Katherine (Olivia O'Neill) in 'The Exorcist: Believer,' directed by David Gordon Green.
    Katherine (Olivia O’Neill) in ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ directed by David Gordon Green.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Exorcist: Believer’:

    To watch our exclusive interview with director David Gordon Green and producer Jason Blum, please click on the video player below:

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  • ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ Becomes Box Office Hit

    'Five Nights at Freddy's,' from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.
    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s,’ from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.

    Preview

    • Horror title ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ opened big at the box office.
    • It has seen a second-weekend slump but is still making money.
    • There is already talk of a sequel.

    Clearly video game adaptations are the new big thing. After decades in the critical and box office wilderness, the genre has become successful in the last couple of years, and 2023 is looking like a banner year, what with ‘The Super Mario Bros.’ and now ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’.

    The horror movie, adapted from the popular point-and-click game series launched back in 2014 by creator Scott Hawthorn, has been taking in stacks of money at the domestic and international box office.

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    What’s the story of ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’?

    'Five Nights at Freddy's,' from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.
    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s,’ from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.

    In case you didn’t see the movie (and given that it was released simultaneously in theaters and on streaming service Peacock, lots of people did), ‘Freddy’s’ follows Mike (Josh Hutcherson), a troubled young man caring for his 10-year-old sister Abby (Piper Rubio), and haunted by the unsolved disappearance of his younger brother more than a decade before.

    Recently fired and desperate for work so that he can keep custody of Abby, Mike agrees to take a position as a night security guard at an abandoned theme restaurant: Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria.

    But Mike soon discovers that nothing at Freddy’s is what it seems. With the aid of Vanessa Shelly, a local police officer (Elizabeth Lail), Mike’s nights at Freddy’s will lead him into unexplainable encounters with the supernatural and drag him into the black heart of an unspeakable nightmare.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’

    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’: What happened with its opening weekend?

    'Five Nights at Freddy's,' from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.
    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s,’ from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.

    The first weekend launch for ‘Freddy’s –– even given the release on Peacock –– proved to be a huge one, driven by the games’ fanbase and word of mouth despite middling reviews.

    It opened to $80 million, far outstripping predictions and making it successful thanks to its typically thrifty Blumhouse budget of $20 million.

    The title is now the highest-grossing horror movie of the year, ahead of the likes of ‘M3GAN’ and ‘The Nun II’. Globally, it has now passed $217 million.

    Jason Blum, boss of Blumhouse, thanked fans via social media for the turnout:

    How did ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ fare in its second weekend?

    'Five Nights at Freddy's,' from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.
    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s,’ from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.

    ‘Freddy’s’ took something of a tumble in its second weekend, dropping 76% to $19.4 million, but that isn’t stopping its momentum. It’s the second-highest grossing video game adaptation this year, though has quite a way to go to beat ‘Mario’, which passed the billion dollar mark (both titles were released by Universal, so we’re sure the studio is happy either way).

    So why the drop?

    Here’s what Franchise Entertainment Research boss David A. Gross told Variety of the second weekend figure:

    “‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ is crashing in its second weekend of simultaneous streaming. The two viewing options compete with each other. An exclusive theatrical run generates the greatest total box office and then elevates the film and builds anticipation of the streaming premiere that follows it.”

    That said, it was helped by weak competition this past weekend, with two indie releases failing to make the top five.

    And it took home another accolade, becoming the first horror movie to repeat at the top of the box office after a Halloween release since 1991’s ‘The People Under the Stairs’.

    It won’t surprise anyone to learn that the success means sequels are very likely. Nothing is official yet, but ‘Freddy’s’ co-writer/director Emma Tammi said this to Variety before the movie opened:

    “We’re definitely excited to keep making more movies in this world, should we be lucky enough to do that.”

    'Five Nights at Freddy's,' from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.
    ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s,’ from Universal Pictures and Blumhouse in association with Striker Entertainment.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’:

    BuyJosh Hutcherson Movies on Amazon

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  • Changes Likely for ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ Sequels

    Director David Gordon Green on the set of 'The Exorcist: Believer.'
    Director David Gordon Green on the set of ‘The Exorcist: Believer.’

    Preview

    • Universal has sunk more than $400 million into buying the rights to ‘The Exorcist’.
    • ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ performed solidly but didn’t set the box office alight in the same way as ‘Halloween’.
    • Director David Gordon Green may not necessarily return to direct the sequels, which are likely to see some creative tinkering on their way to screens.

    Is the planned ‘Exorcist’ movie trilogy kicked off by last week’s ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ bedeviled? Universal might be starting to think it is.

    While David Gordon Green’s first movie in what is imagined, like his ‘Halloween’ effort, as a three-movie franchise that follows up William Friedkin’s original 1973 horror classic did decent if uninspiring business at the box office (it has so far made $46 million worldwide, which covers its thrifty $30 million budget), it needs to perform better to recoup a much bigger figure.

    And the studio, according to The Hollywood Reporter, is considering changes going forward.

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    What has happened with the new ‘Exorcist’ movies so far?

    (from left) Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom, Jr.) in 'The Exorcist: Believer,' directed by David Gordon Green.
    (from left) Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom, Jr.) in ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ directed by David Gordon Green.

    Universal has already put $400 million into acquiring the rights to the movie franchise alone, even before the money it spent directly on the first film. And that puts a heavier amount of pressure on the new trilogy to perform.

    The Reporter’s story doesn’t have specifics, but it is looking like there could be some creative tinkering for ‘The Exorcist: Deceiver’ and the other, yet-to-be-revealed third movie spawned from Green’s first instalment.

    A completed script is already in hand for ‘Deceiver’, though there could well be changes on that front.

    And the studio has found ways to generate revenue from the title beyond any new films –– including fees for streaming the movie on Peacock and an ‘Exorcist’ attraction at Universal Studio’s Halloween Horror Nights.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘The Exorcist: Believer’

    Will David Gordon Green return for the other movies?

    'The Exorcist: Believer' director David Gordon Green and producer Jason Blum.
    ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ director David Gordon Green and producer Jason Blum.

    While Green directed all three ‘Halloween’ movies and had previously said he’d be handling the new trilogy in the same fashion, recent statements from the director are making that look less likely.

    Here’s what Green told The Hollywood Reporter about his future plans:

    “My intention is just to start making things, and as those plans come together, if I find myself in ‘The Exorcist: Deceiver’ director’s chair, I’d be thrilled. But right now, I’m navigating it from a story perspective and looking at my realities of life as I pivot.”

    He’s also been showing signs that he’s ready to make other things besides horror movies. He does have creative outlets such as TV comedy ‘The Righteous Gemstones’, but on the big screen he was ready to step away from the horror genre until Blumhouse boss Jason Blum dangled the idea of the ‘Exorcist’ movies in front of him.

    However it all works out (and whoever ends up making it), we are still likely to see ‘The Exorcist: Deceiver’ in 2025.

    Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom, Jr.) and Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) in 'The Exorcist: Believer,' directed by David Gordon Green.
    (L to R) Victor Fielding (Leslie Odom, Jr.) and Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) in ‘The Exorcist: Believer,’ directed by David Gordon Green.

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    Buy Tickets: ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ Movie Showtimes

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  • James McAvoy Starring in ‘Speak No Evil’

    James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb in 2016's 'Split.'
    James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb in 2016’s ‘Split.’

    James McAvoy was at the core of two big Blumhouse horror movies in recent years –– M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Split’ and its allied follow-up to ‘Unbreakable’, ‘Glass’.

    But while Shyamalan has moved on to other subjects, McAvoy is reuniting with the company for a new film, a remake of 2022 Danish thriller ‘Speak No Evil’.

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    What’s the story of ‘Speak No Evil’?

    The basic synopsis for the original movie reads as follows… “A Danish family visits a Dutch family they met on a holiday. What was supposed to be an idyllic weekend slowly starts unraveling as the Danes try to stay polite in the face of unpleasantness.”

    Suffice to say, it really doesn’t end well for one side of that story, but we won’t dig into it any further to avoid spoiling anything. Director Christian Tafdrup wrote the script with brother Mads, and the new movie will be based on their screenplay.

    We would expect though, there to be some significant thematic changes for American audiences, as the original dips into some Eurocentric views on politics. But with commentary on fascism running through it, that’s something that a new movie could certainly also draw from that, given the state of American politics.

    'M3GAN' producer and CEO of Blumhouse Productions Jason Blum.
    ‘M3GAN’ producer and CEO of Blumhouse Productions Jason Blum.

    Who is making the new movie?

    James Watkins, the British director who has made movies such as cult thriller ‘Eden Lake’ and the wildly successful, Daniel Radcliffe-starring ‘The Woman in Black’, which became the most profitable British horror title in history, earning more than $129 million worldwide, is on for the remake.

    Watkins, who has also made terror sequel ‘The Descent: Part 2’ and branched out beyond the horror genre for crime drama ‘Bastille Day’ and small screen entries such as ‘Black Mirror’ episode “Shut Up and Dance” and crime thriller series ‘McMafia’, has written the script and will make the new movie.

    He most recently oversaw an update of a much older title –– a TV adaptation of 1965 spy thriller movie ‘The Ipcress File.’

    As usual, Blumhouse boss Jason Blum will be among the producers alongside Christian Tafdrup, Paul Ritchie, Jacob Jarek, and Bea Sequeira, serving as executive producers.

    McAvoy is no stranger to remakes –– he was seen in 2021’s ‘My Son’, which was drawn from 2017 French thriller ‘Mon Garcon’. And he was more recently back on TV screens as Lord Asriel in the third and final season of book adaptation ‘His Dark Materials. In addition to that, he appeared on stage in ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ and worked with Sharon Horgan in the BBC’s COVID lockdown-set ‘Together’, which was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA.

    Blumhouse and Universal are clearly confident in this one, with a flag already planted on August 9th, 2024, as a release date.

    James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb in 2019's 'Glass.'
    James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb in 2019’s ‘Glass.’

    Other Blumhouse Productions Movies:

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  • Where To Watch Blumhouse Thriller ‘M3GAN’

    M3GAN, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady (Violet McGraw) in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    (L to R) M3GAN, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady (Violet McGraw) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Time to meet your new best friend in the latest thriller from Blumhouse Productions, ‘M3GAN.’ M3GAN, AKA Model 3 Generative Android is the perfect storm of an artificial intelligence program becoming self-aware, and taking her job entirely too seriously.

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    The trailer already created a buzz on the internet ahead of the films release, prompting endless memes of M3GAN performing a series of (now signature) dance moves before switching to slasher mode. In fact, prior to the movie’s premiere, a team of M3GAN doll dancers could be spotted at various events and venues performing the signature number. The film opened on January 6, 2022 to $30.4 million domestically and has earn over $171.2 million worldwide as of today. The story comes from the minds of Aleka Cooper (‘Malignant‘) and James Wan (‘The Conjuring‘ franchise), and was directed by Gerard Johnstone (‘Housebound‘).

    Who Is In The Cast Of ‘M3GAN?’

    ‘M3GAN’ stars Allison Williams (‘Get Out‘) and Violet McGraw (‘The Haunting Of Hill House’), who are no strangers to the horror genre. When it comes to bringing the killer doll to life, it takes a team – the role is voiced by Jenna Davis, and physically portrayed by 8-year-old actress Amie Donald. Paired with CGI to complete its characteristic look. The cast also includes Ronny Chien (‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings‘), Brian Jordan Alvarez (‘80 For Brady‘), Jen Van Epps (‘Together Forever Tea‘), Lori Dungey (‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring‘) and Stephane Garneau-Monton.

    Allison Williams as Gemma in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    Allison Williams as Gemma in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    What Is ‘M3GAN’ About?

    In the film, toy designer/robotist Gemma (Williams) was working on a child-sized android A.I. companion, which she named M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android). When Gemma becomes the parental guardian of her niece Cady (McGraw), she uses the opportunity to put M3GAN to the test. All things were going well until M3GAN’s artificial intelligence programming began to take its tasks too seriously, going to the extreme to protect Cady by brutally taking down anyone who rebels against her.

    The official synopsis for ‘M3GAN’ is:

    “M3GAN is a marvel of artificial intelligence, a lifelike doll that’s programmed to be a child’s best friend. When a brilliant roboticist gives her young niece an M3GAN prototype, it soon becomes violent and does anything to protect the girl.”

    M3GAN in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    M3GAN in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘M3GAN’

    Will There Be A ‘M3GAN’ Sequel?

    We will get to see M3GAN again! The PG-13 horror flick received positive reviews, warranting a 93% Fresh score on the Tomato-meter from critics and 78% from the audience. Thanks to its popularity, the sequel ‘M3GAN 2.0’ is now in the works at Universal, set for release on January 17, 2025. In an interview with Variety, producer Jason Blum admitted that they were already playing with the idea of a sequel before the first film was even released.

    “After I saw the first movie, we had a good sense that a sequel might really work. So, we broke our cardinal rule and we started t walking about a sequel before the movie was released. I felt so bullish that we started entertaining a sequel earlier than we usually do.”

    Set to return to the follow-up film are stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw to reprise their roles as Gemma and Cady. Screenwriter Aleka Cooper will also return. No word yet on whether Gerard Johnstone will return to direct or if Blumhouse is eyeing a new director. Plots are under wraps for now.

    Where Can I Watch ‘M3GAN’ and The Unrated Version?

    The movie is still playing in select theaters. The film premiered on January 6, 2023, and has a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes.

    Buy Tickets: ‘M3GAN’ Movie Showtimes

    Can’t get enough of the evil AI android going on a killing spree? You’re in luck. There’s also an unrated version with never-before-seen footage available exclusively on Peacock as of February 24th. The theatrical version is available on Peacock as well.

    Watch the official trailer for ‘M3GAN’ below:

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    When Will It Be Available To Stream Online?

    You can currently purchase a digital copy of ‘M3GAN’ from Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play, or iTunes. Additionally, you can rent a digital copy of the movie (with a 48-hour watch window) on Amazon or iTunes.

    Where To Watch: ‘M3GAN’ Online

    Prefer the own the physical copy? ‘M3GAN’ will be available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 21st, 2023.

    Buy ‘M3GAN’ On Amazon

    M3GAN and Cady (Violet McGraw) in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    (L to R) M3GAN and Cady (Violet McGraw) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Movies That’ll Make You Question Your Smart Device

    ‘M3GAN’ delivers on suspense and comedy for its PG-13 rating, and it is certainly on its way of becoming a cult hit. But the premise of an A.I. gone awry or a doll coming to life isn’t the first of its kind. Here are a few movies that’ll make you question the smart devices or child-sized dolls in your home.

    ‘M3GAN’ was released in theaters on January 6th, 2022 from Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and Atomic Monster. Directed by Gerard Johnstone, and written by Akela Cooper, based on a story by James Wan, the film stars Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Lori Dungey, Amie Donald, and Jenna Davis as the voice of M3GAN.

    Watch Moviefone’s interviews with the cast and crew of ‘M3GAN’ below:

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  • ‘M3GAN’ Sequel in the Works

    M3GAN and Cady (Violet McGraw) in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    (L to R) M3GAN and Cady (Violet McGraw) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Even before ‘M3GAN’ arrived in theaters the titular doll-sized android has become a cult figure. Between her dance moves and her murders, she’s a new pint-sized horror icon joining the likes of Chucky and Annabelle.

    Given its thrifty budget (boosted by backers Blumhouse from their usual $5 million tier to around $12 million), the movie’s more than $95 million global box office haul since its January 6th debut means it is handily in profit already.

    It’s almost a no brainer, then, that Blumhouse and co-producers Atomic Monster (James Wan’s company) would look to get a sequel in the works as soon as possible, with ‘M3GAN 2.0’ now on the calendar. And that’s despite Blumhouse boss Jason Blum’s usual reticence for jumping the gun on sequels. “After I first saw the movie, we had a good sense that a sequel might really work,” he told Variety a few days ago. “So, we broke our cardinal rule and we started talking about a sequel before the movie was released. I felt so bullish that we started entertaining a sequel earlier than we usually do.”

    ‘M3GAN’ in case you’ve yet to see it, tells the story of tech toy creator Gemma (Allison Williams) who designs M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android), who can listen, watch and learn as it plays the role of friend and teacher, playmate and protector.

    When Gemma becomes the unexpected caretaker of her 8-year-old niece, (Violet McGraw’s Cady, orphaned in a tragic accident) she decides to give the girl a M3GAN prototype (brought to life by a combo of actress/dancer Amie Donald, the voice of Jenna Davis and some CG additions), a decision that leads to unimaginable consequences. Murder bot consequences. There, we imagined it for you.

    M3GAN, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady (Violet McGraw) in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    (L to R) M3GAN, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady (Violet McGraw) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    In short, M3GAN, who pledges to protect Cady at all costs, starts a campaign of terror against anyone who dares threaten the girl. Soon, kids are being lured into traffic, others are stabbed and it’ll be up to Gemma and Cady to shut down the killing spree. It’s campy, often hilarious horror.

    We won’t give away here exactly what happens in the big finale but suffice to say there are hints that M3GAN could return––whether it’s in her doll form or some other way. The joy of being an AI for her is that she can go anywhere she wants and the possibilities are endless.

    The challenge of figuring all that out now rests with writer Akela Cooper, who worked on the first film’s story alongside Wan and wrote the eventual script. Williams and McGraw will both return in front of the camera, but there’s no news yet on whether director Gerard Johnstone is coming back for more M3GAN madness.

    It’s yet another success for the Blumhouse team, which has gained a real reputation for low-budget horror hits and is currently exploring a merger with Wan’s Atomic Monster company, itself no slouch in the scary franchise department.

    Universal has dated ‘M3GAN 2.0’ for January 17th, 2025.

    Cady (Violet McGraw), M3GAN and Gemma (Allison Williams) in 'M3GAN.'
    (L to R) Cady (Violet McGraw), M3GAN and Gemma (Allison Williams) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
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