Lionsgate Greenlights 'Portrait of God' with Chase Infiniti and Jordan Peele

Key points

• Lionsgate has acquired 'Portrait of God' from director Dylan Clark, moving the project from Universal where it was previously in turnaround.
• Chase Infiniti, known for 'One Battle After Another,' will star in the film, which is now greenlit for production.
• The project marks the first collaboration between producers Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele, with Clark co-writing the script with Joe Russo.
• The film is based on Clark's viral short of the same name, which has accumulated over 10 million views on YouTube since its 2022 debut.
• Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson praised the creative team, highlighting the potential for a 'haunting, thought-provoking, and scary' film.

Background

Lionsgate has been actively expanding its horror slate, recently acquiring projects like 'Mommy's Home' and a new 'Saw' installment. The studio has also been developing a reimagining of 'The Blair Witch Project' with Dylan Clark, scheduled for 2027. This acquisition follows a trend of studios backing emerging filmmakers who gained traction through viral online content, similar to the success of 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms.'

Why it matters

The acquisition signals Lionsgate's continued investment in high-concept horror and emerging talent, particularly those with strong online followings. The involvement of major producers like Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi, alongside a rising star like Chase Infiniti, suggests a significant push to capitalize on the current popularity of elevated horror and viral-to-feature adaptations.

What to watch

Production for 'Portrait of God' is expected to begin soon, following the greenlight. The film will be produced by Ghost House and Monkeypaw Productions, with Lionsgate overseeing the project. The studio is also preparing for the 2027 release of Clark's 'Blair Witch' reimagining.