Key Takeaways:
– Blumhouse Productions and Lionsgate have entered a multi-film deal. The first project will be a new version of “The Blair Witch Project”.
– Jason Blum and Roy Lee, who worked on the 2016 Blair Witch film, will produce the new project.
– Lionsgate and Blumhouse aim to reintroduce the horror classic to a new generation.
Blumhouse Productions Leads Blair Witch Revamp
Two years after Jeff Sneider of The Ankler reported Lionsgate’s interest in revisiting the world of the 1999 hit The Blair Witch Project, the project is now officially in the works. Spearheading this innovative undertaking is Blumhouse Productions, an American film and television production company renowned for its impressive work in the horror film genre.
Lionsgate and Blumhouse Partnership
Ensuring their mutual advancement in the horror genre, Lionsgate and Blumhouse have struck a multi-picture deal. The development and production of a new edition of The Blair Witch Project will be the first in a series of reimagined classics from the Lionsgate library. The news broke recently, announced by Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, and Jason Blum, founder and CEO of Blumhouse.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with Jason [Blum] on numerous occasions,” Fogelson said. “We established a solid relationship on The Purge and kickstarted STX with his film The Gift. There’s no one better in this genre than Blumhouse. We’re thrilled to start this partnership with a new twist on Blair Witch, reintroducing this horror classic to a new generation. We’re excited to collaborate with them on this and other upcoming projects.”
“The New Vision” for Blair Witch
Expressing gratitude and enthusiasm about the project, Blum recognized the influence The Blair Witch Project had on the horror genre. He sees this as an opportunity to give back to the movie that ushered in the era of found footage horror.
“I’m very grateful to Adam and the team at Lionsgate for letting us play in their sandbox,” Blum said. “I’m a huge admirer of The Blair Witch Project, responsible for bringing the found footage horror concept to mainstream audiences, causing a cultural phenomenon. I don’t think we would have had Paranormal Activity had it not been for Blair Witch. This feels like a truly special opportunity, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.”
Concerning Directorial Lead
Despite speculation, it’s unclear who will direct the new Blair Witch movie. A Production Weekly listing suggested last year that Oliver Park, known for directing the 2022 horror film “The Offering” and the anthology “A Night of Horror: Nightmare Radio,” would lead this project, but those rumors didn’t materialize. Blumhouse has yet to announce their choice for this key role, leaving fans in anxious anticipation.
Conclusion: An Exciting New Chapter for Blair Witch
The Blair Witch Project ushered in a new era of the horror genre with its groundbreaking found footage style when it released in 1999. Now, with Blumhouse and Lionsgate at the helm, fans can look forward to rediscovering this horror masterpiece in a new light. It remains unclear who will direct this version of The Blair Witch Project, but the combined track record of Blumhouse and Lionsgate is sure to make the revisit a success.
As Blumhouse takes the lead in reimagining The Blair Witch Project, it invites audiences to share their thoughts on this significant announcement. Whether you’re a seasoned horror enthusiast or a newcomer in the genre, it’s time to wait and see what spine-chilling surprises this new partnership brings forth.
