Blumhouse is pivoting from recent criticism by showcasing a massive, star-studded future slate including Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Bell to prove their horror empire is thriving.
Jason Blum publicly admitted he was outvoted by James Wan on the 'Other Mommy' title, essentially conceding that Wan’s instinct to name it 'Other Mother' would have been better for branding and rhyme scheme.
1. Blum stated: 'my partner James Wan wanted to call it ‘Other Mother,’ and he got outvoted.' 2. 'Paranormal Activity' is set for theatrical release on May 21. 3. Kristen Bell confirmed David Harbour called her saying, 'I need you to come to Winnipeg.'
Blumhouse is doubling down on horror franchises and A-list casting, but Blum’s admission about the 'Other Mommy' title proves even horror moguls make bad branding calls.
Jason Blum and James Wan are not letting the critics’ savaging of “Other Mommy” ruin their vibe. Despite the film’s negative reception, the horror titans used their 90-minute presentation at New York Comic-Con to unveil a massive upcoming slate, proving that box office success often mutes the sting of bad reviews. The pair focused entirely on the future, launching announcements that signal Blumhouse Atomic Monster is expanding aggressively into both cinematic universes and interactive media. The most dramatic moment of the panel came when Blum addressed the “doppelganger elephant in the room”: the controversial title itself. Online critics had panned the choice of “Other Mommy” over “Other Mother,” noting the latter would have offered a better rhyme scheme and stronger parallels to “Coraline.” Blum finally owned the mistake, revealing that the decision was a democratic one that he lost. “Funnily enough, my partner James Wan wanted to call it ‘Other Mother,’ and he got outvoted,” Blum admitted. He then added the self-aware kicker, “This is probably why we should always listen to James Wan.” In casting news that has fans buzzing, Kristen Bell is joining David Harbour in “Violent Night 2.” Bell, who described herself as a big fan of the first film, revealed the unexpected phone call from Harbour that sealed the deal. “David called and said, ‘I need you to come to Winnipeg.’ And I was like, ‘What? No.’” Once she learned she would play Mrs. Claus—described by Harbour as a “badass” who is “every bit as capable as Santa is”—Bell was instantly on board. The film also features Scarlett Johansson in a new installment of the “Exorcist” franchise, adding serious star power to the slate. The legacy franchises are getting a modern overhaul, too. “Paranormal Activity” is returning to theaters on May 21, a date Blum called emotional because the film “really gave birth to everything that we’ve done.” Director Ian Tuason is leading the revival, with a teaser showing him reenacting the infamous possession footage. Meanwhile, James Wan expressed excitement over director Dylan Clark for the revamped “Blair Witch Project,” praising Clark’s reverence for the original material. Wan noted that Clark represents a wave of filmmakers who grew up with these horror classics, ensuring the new take isn’t just a random internet pluck. Finally, the “Saw” franchise is back in the driver’s seat with director Mike P. Nelson and writers James Wan and Leigh Whannell returning. After years in development limbo following the Blumhouse-Atomic Monster merger, the 11th installment is officially on track. Blum emphasized that Wan and Whannell would have creative control to make it “feel different than every other ‘Saw’ movie before.” The studio is also diversifying beyond movies, with the horror game “Grave Seasons” launching March 9 and a new adaptation of the comic “Something Is Killing the Children” in the works, helmed by director Craig Zobel.
