LOS ANGELES — In a landmark collaboration for the genre, horror heavyweights Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele are officially joining forces. Universal Pictures has successfully acquired the rights to “Portrait of God,” a feature-length horror film that marks the first time these two legendary creators have worked together.
The project is an adaptation of the viral 2022 short film by Dylan Clark, which has amassed over 8.6 million views on YouTube. While Raimi and Peele are not directing, their involvement as producers through their respective banners—Ghost House Pictures and Monkeypaw Productions—has immediately made this one of the most anticipated horror releases in development.
The Vision Behind the Film
The original 7-minute short followed a devout young woman preparing a presentation on a mysterious, pitch-black painting titled “Portrait of God.” The lore suggests that while some see nothing, others witness a figure in the darkness that supposedly reveals the true face of the Almighty.
What we know so far:
Director: Dylan Clark will make his feature directorial debut, expanding on his original vision.
Writers: Clark is co-writing the script with Joe Russo (The Inheritance).
The Tone: Expect a blend of Raimi’s signature supernatural intensity and Peele’s penchant for psychological, high-concept dread.
The Plot: While detailed plot points are being kept “under wraps,” the film is expected to explore religious fanaticism and the terrifying consequences of seeking a divine encounter.
A “Gospel” of Horror
The pairing of Raimi (The Evil Dead, Drag Me to Hell) and Peele (Get Out, Nope) represents a bridge between two eras of horror. Raimi is known for his “splatstick” energy and kinetic camera work, while Peele has redefined the “social thriller” with his focus on atmosphere and subtext.
Industry insiders suggest that Universal won the project after a competitive bidding war, signaling high confidence in the property.
“When two of the biggest names in the genre lean in on a project based on a viral short, the industry takes notice. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a validation of new-age digital storytelling.” — Industry Analyst
Current Status
There is no official release date yet for Portrait of God, as the project is currently in early development. However, fans of Sam Raimi won’t have to wait long for a fix: his next directorial effort, the dark comedy thriller “Send Help,” is slated to release in January 2026.
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