Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi Join Forces for Chilling New Horror Film
Horror icons Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi are partnering with Universal to adapt Dylan Clark’s viral short film Portrait of a God into a full-length religious horror movie. The original short has already captivated millions online.
Genre fans have reason to celebrate as two of horror’s most influential creators, Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi, are collaborating with Universal Pictures to bring a new religious horror story to the big screen. The project is inspired by Dylan Clark’s viral short film, Portrait of a God, which has racked up over 8.6 million views on YouTube since its debut in August 2022. The original short follows Mia Reilly, a young woman grappling with her beliefs as she studies a mysterious painting of a divine figure.
Hollywood Heavyweights Take the Helm
Peele, under his Monkeypaw Productions banner, will produce the feature alongside Win Rosenfeld, known for his work on Candyman, Him, and Nope. Raimi, meanwhile, will produce through Ghost House Pictures with Joe Russo, who is also set to co-write the screenplay with Clark and Romel Adam. This powerhouse team is expected to deliver a fresh take on religious horror, blending their unique visions and storytelling styles.
From Viral Sensation to Feature Film
The original Portrait of a God short film quickly became a sensation online, drawing millions of viewers with its unsettling atmosphere and thought-provoking themes. The story centers on Mia Reilly’s internal struggle as she confronts her own faith while analyzing the enigmatic painting. The feature adaptation is anticipated to expand on these themes, delving deeper into questions of belief, fear, and the unknown.
Upcoming Projects from Peele and Raimi
Before diving into the Portrait of a God adaptation, Raimi is set to release a new horror-thriller titled Send Help. The film stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien as Linda Liddle and Bradley Preston, two coworkers whose business trip takes a deadly turn after a plane crash leaves them stranded on a remote island. As tensions rise, the pair must navigate their strained relationship and fight for survival in a darkly comedic, blood-soaked battle.
Meanwhile, Peele is currently developing his fourth feature film, which was originally slated for a Christmas 2024 release. After being postponed to October 2026, the project was ultimately removed from Universal’s release calendar due to industry strikes and other delays. Despite these setbacks, Peele’s involvement in the Portrait of a God adaptation signals his continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of horror cinema.