Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Universal and Blumhouse Close Eight‑Figure Deal for Curry Barker’s Next Horror

The pact locks the breakout director into a high‑value development with top horror producers, signaling a studio push to secure internet‑native talent.

Overview

  • Universal Film Group and Blumhouse Atomic Monster confirmed on June 19 that they have acquired Curry Barker’s next feature in a reported rich eight‑figure deal.
  • Barker will write, produce and direct the untitled original horror project, keeping him under the Universal/Blumhouse development umbrella after his breakout success with Obsession.
  • Production partners attached include Roy Lee and Steven Schneider’s Spooky Pictures and Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath’s Divide/Conquer, with Universal set to handle worldwide distribution.
  • All creative and release details are being kept confidential, but trades report the project was bought from a Barker pitch and is in early development while his second film Anything But Ghosts is in post.
  • The deal reflects a wider industry shift driven by Obsession’s rare multi‑week box‑office gains and Gen‑Z viral momentum, which encouraged studios to delay digital windows and compete for creators who can generate theatrical buzz.