Blumhouse has yet another horror film coming that should get you excited. Even though the studio does release a bunch of sequels, including a new one in the “Insidious” franchise, the production company does have plenty of room for original frights, as well. And that’s what’s coming with “Project Poltergeist,” a new film from writer-director John Ridley.
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Revealed during the recent Blumfest (via THR), John Ridley has signed on to write and direct a new film, “Project Poltergeist,” which will be produced by Blumhouse. The film is based on the article “Project Poltergeist,” written by Saleah Blancaflor for Truly*Adventurous. The film’s story is inspired by the real events that involved a young boy and potential supernatural activity during the 1960s in a New Jersey public housing project.
“This is an incredible true-life narrative of a young man dealing with horrors – both paranormal and racially systemic – in a community that is scarred by hate, yet ultimately brought together by hope,” said Ridley. “I really appreciate Blumhouse’s commitment to telling stories that seek to entertain audiences even as it challenges them.”
Jason Blum, Blumhouse founder, added, “The best scary movies are always based on a real event, and we were very compelled by the material this story is based on. I also know that John Ridley is as good as you get as a dramatic storyteller, so we’re confident that infusing this story with John’s brand of drama is a great bet.”
Ridley is probably best known as the Oscar-winning writer behind the film “12 Years a Slave.” However, he’s an accomplished director, as well, helming the biopic “Jimi: All Is by My Side” and the recent documentary “Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982–1992.” He’s also directed a number of TV episodes for shows such as “Barbershop,” “Guerrilla,” and “Godfather of Harlem.”
It’s unclear when production might begin on “Project Poltergeist.”