Blumhouse Atomic signs first-look deal with horror comic writer James Tynion IV
The partnership begins with the development of Exquisite Corpses, a best-selling graphic novel about a serial killer battle royale, across film and animation.
By Thomas Obasi ·
Comic book creator James Tynion IV and his production company Tiny Onion have signed a first-look deal with Blumhouse Atomic, a horror studio led by Jason Blum and James Wan. The agreement establishes a long-term creative partnership between the two entities, starting immediately with the adaptation of Tynion's existing work.
Blumhouse is joining Tiny Onion and Lyrical Media to adapt Exquisite Corpses, a comic book universe centered on a serial killer battle royale. Tynion created the title with artist Michael Walsh. The project is currently in development for both live-action film and animation formats. The initial 13-issue series concluded earlier this year and has sold more than one million copies in its first 18 months through Image Comics.
The premise of Exquisite Corpses involves the 13 oldest and wealthiest families in America playing a game of control every five years on Halloween. Their recruited champions, described as killers with distinct identities such as the Lone Gunman and Lady Carolina, fight in an unsuspecting town until one survivor remains. Three spin-off series focusing on specific killers are currently in publication, and a second overarching mini-series is planned for next year.
Jason Blum, CEO and co-founder of Blumhouse Atomic, said the deal expands a successful collaboration. He noted that Tynion has been a valued partner on the movie adaptation of Something Is Killing the Children. Blum stated that Tynion has great storytelling instincts and a passion for the horror genre, making him a strong fit for developing new intellectual property.
Tynion responded to the announcement by saying the Blumhouse offices felt like coming home. He described the filmmakers on the roster as dedicated to making great horror and expressed excitement about helping bring these stories to life. Tynion created Tiny Onion in 2024 to maintain control over screen adaptations of his growing body of work. The company is supported by an investment from Lyrical Media and releases graphic novels through publishers including Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Penguin Random House.
The two companies are already working on a film adaptation of Tynion's horror comic Something Is Killing the Children. Craig Zobel recently boarded as director for that project, which is expected to enter production next year. An adult animated television series spearheaded by Tynion is also in the works. Additionally, his short film and one-shot comic Room Service is in development.
Blumhouse Atomic, which resulted from the merger of banners run by Blum and Wan, plans to release nine movies in 2027. The studio's release schedule begins on Jan. 15, 2027, with The River. The year will also include titles such as The Exorcist: Martyrs and Curry Barker's Anything But Ghosts, concluding with Drew Hancock's Seasons.
