Blumhouse Adapting Its Next Video Game Horror Movie After Five Nights At Freddy's $291M Success

Blumhouse is moving forward with another horror video game adaptation after Five Nights at Freddy’s set a new record for the studio. Five Nights at Freddy’s is one of the most successful horror video game franchises ever. It started with a simple concept, where users play as a security guard at an old pizzeria filled with creepy animatronics that come to life at night. Since the game’s 2014 release, the franchise has expanded to 30 games that expand the lore and list of characters.

A film adaptation of the franchise seemed like a no-brainer, and Blumhouse finally took a chance in 2023. Five Nights at Freddy’s was a mᴀssive box office success, grossing $297.1 million worldwide. It’s Blumhouse’s highest-grossing film, even though Universal also simultaneously released it on Peacock on the same day. The studio is currently working on Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, set to release on December 5, 2025. However, that isn’t the only video game adaptation in development at Blumhouse.

Blumhouse Is Developing A Phasmophobia Movie

Blumhouse has selected its next video game franchise after Five Nights at Freddy’s. According to Variety, the studio is developing an adaptation of Phasmophobia, a first-person horror survival game that gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the game, the player works alone or with a group to complete a contract and uncover the type of ghost that’s haunting a specific location. The game features a unique voice chat element that allows players to communicate with the ghosts using specific keywords or phrases.

Phasmophobia was released by Kinetic Games Limited in 2020 and was the best-selling game on Steam for several weeks from October to November of that year. It rose in popularity thanks to the many YouTube and Twitch streamers who played it during the pandemic. It has sold “23 million copies globally,” and received critical praise, winning the best debut game award at the 2020 game awards.

What This Means For Phasmophobia

Blumhouse Could Have Another Hit On Its Hands

A player comes face-to-face with a ghost's silhouette in Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia does have a more challenging road to becoming a hit than Five Nights at Freddy’s. It is a recent hit, but it still doesn’t have a sequel, and its popularity has waned in the five years since its release. It doesn’t have the same staying power as FNAF, but it does have an intriguing premise. Even if video game players don’t turn out to see this film, it could still see a boost from horror audiences. Horror is typically a reliable genre, and Blumhouse is one of the most recognized names in the business.

Video game adaptations aren’t always successful, but the best thing going for Phasmophobia is that it could likely be made on a low budget. Blumhouse has a history of making films with low production budgets that make a significant profit. Even if the film doesn’t break any box office records, it can still be a hit if the studio makes it for a low cost. Five Nights at Freddy’s may be Blumhouse’s golden goose, but Phasmophobia could be a surprise hit.

Source: Variety