Hold onto your crucifixes, horror fans, because a terrifying new project is brewing! Universal Pictures has snagged the rights to Dylan Clark's chilling short film, Portrait of God, and is turning it into a feature film. But that's not even the most exciting part... This adaptation marks the first-ever collaboration between horror titans Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele, promising a cinematic experience unlike any other.
Written by Clark and Joe Russo, the film's plot is shrouded in mystery, but the original short offers a glimpse into the terror that awaits. It centers on a young, religious woman grappling with the unsettling question: "What does God look like?" The short film, which opens with the ominous biblical quote, "No man shall see Me and live," presents a haunting vision. Mia, the protagonist, sits in the dark, presenting a slide show about a mysterious artwork called "Portrait of God." Some viewers see only black, while others claim to see a figure described in consistent, chilling detail. The short, both minimalistic and menacing, challenges the conventional notion of a benevolent deity. But here's where it gets controversial... The film seems to offer a counterpoint to the idea of God as a benevolent entity.
The original Portrait of God short film has already amassed over 8.6 million views on YouTube since its debut in August 2022. The feature adaptation will be produced by Peele and Win Rosenfeld through Monkeypaw Productions, in partnership with Raimi and Romel Adam via Ghost House Pictures, and Russo. Chris Rosati will executive produce, with Sam Evenson co-producing. Jose Cañas will oversee the project for Ghost House, and Sara Scott, Executive Vice President of Production Development, will oversee it for Universal.
Dylan Clark, the visionary behind the original short, is a rising star in the horror genre, known for his unique blend of religion and technology in his films. His other shorts have also garnered millions of views. Clark's passion for filmmaking began during his childhood in Germany and Austria, leading him to earn a degree in film production and screenwriting from Ithaca College. He is also working on adapting his short film Story Time, with Zak Olkewicz and LD Entertainment attached to produce.
Monkeypaw Productions is fresh off the release of Him, a football-themed horror film directed by Justin Tipping. And this is the part most people miss... While Peele was initially slated to direct his next film after Nope last December, its release has been repeatedly delayed and was ultimately removed from Universal's schedule in September.
Ghost House recently completed production on Play Dead, a survival thriller, and Evil Dead Burn. Sébastien Vanicek directed the sixth installment in the Evil Dead film series, slated for release on July 24, 2026. Ghost House is also working on a seventh, still-untitled installment, written and directed by Francis Galluppi.
What do you think of this collaboration between Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele? Are you excited to see a horror film that challenges the traditional view of God? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Could this be the next big thing in horror, or is it a concept too risky to succeed? Let's discuss!
