Table of Contents
A chilling exploration of faith and perception, “Portrait of God,” is moving from YouTube to the big screen. Universal Pictures has acquired the spec script, expanding upon filmmaker Dylan Clark’s viral horror short of the same name, with a powerhouse producing team including Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele.
From Short Film Sensation to Feature Production
The project, first reported by Deadline on Thursday, signals a meaningful step for Clark, who has garnered attention for his unsettling shorts that delve into the intersection of horror and religion. The original “Portrait of God” short, released in August 2022, has already amassed over 8.6 million views on YouTube, demonstrating a clear audience appetite for its unique premise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0G-W-W-W-W
The Enigmatic Plot
While specific plot details remain under wraps,the feature adaptation is expected to center around a young,devout woman grappling with a terrifying revelation regarding the nature of the divine. The short film revolves around a mysterious artwork, “Portrait of God,” where viewers’ interpretations differ drastically – some perceive a figure in the darkness, while others see nothing at all. This ambiguity fuels a growing sense of dread and questions the very foundation of the protagonist’s beliefs.
Production Powerhouse Assembles
The film will be produced through monkeypaw Productions, Jordan Peele’s production company operating under a first-look deal with Universal. Joining Peele and Clark are veteran horror producer Sam Raimi, alongside Romel adam, through Ghost House Pictures, and Joe Russo, known for his work on The Inheritance and Soul Mates. 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 for Universal.
Dylan Clark’s Rising Profile
Dylan Clark’s success with “Portrait of God” highlights a growing trend of filmmakers utilizing platforms like YouTube to cultivate audiences and launch their careers. He is currently developing a feature adaptation of another one of his short stories, “Story Time,” further solidifying his position as a rising voice in the horror genre.
This project promises a compelling blend of psychological horror and theological exploration, backed by some of the most influential names in the industry. Further updates on casting and release dates are expected as the project progresses.
Why,Who,What,and How did it end?
Why: Universal pictures acquired the script to expand Dylan Clark’s viral horror short,”Portrait of God,” due to its success and unique premise exploring faith and perception.
Who: The project involves filmmaker Dylan Clark, producers Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele (through Monkeypaw productions and Ghost House Pictures respectively), Romel Adam, Joe Russo, Chris Rosati, Sam Evenson, Jose cañas, and Sara Scott.
What: Universal Pictures is developing a feature film adaptation of Clark’s short film,”Portrait of God,” which centers on a young woman’s terrifying revelation about the divine,sparked by a mysterious artwork.
How did it end?: the article concludes by stating that
