Universal and Blumhouse Near $10M+ Deal for TIFF Slasher 'River'
Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Atomic Monster are in talks to acquire distribution rights to Joshua Giuliano's debut feature 'River' for over $10 million following its world premiere at TIFF. The horror film stars Jane Levy, Jessica Rothe, and Max Mattern as estranged siblings whose river trip to scatter their father's ashes turns into a nightmare. The project was originally backed by Independent Film Company and Shudder.
The reported acquisition marks one of the festival's earliest and largest completed negotiations, signaling strong marketplace confidence in the horror genre. Giuliano's screenplay centers on three siblings—played by Levy, Rothe, and Mattern—who reunite following their father's death, only to face mortal danger when their memorial trip goes disastrously wrong. DiLiegro, known for his role in "Prey," appears in a supporting capacity.
The project originated with Independent Film Company and Shudder, the latter being a streaming service with a dedicated horror audience. A deal exceeding $10 million would represent a significant return on their initial investment and would place the debut feature among the higher-profile genre acquisitions of the year, potentially elevating Giuliano's status within the industry.
This deal could reinforce the commercial viability of original horror properties at major studios, particularly those premiering at prestigious festivals. It may also signal continued appetite for elevated genre films featuring recognizable talent, potentially encouraging more independent financiers to back similar projects. For audiences, the acquisition likely means wider theatrical and streaming availability, while for emerging filmmakers, it could demonstrate a viable path from festival premiere to major studio distribution.