Oscar Winner John Ridley To Write & Direct Blumhouse’s ‘Project Poltergeist’

This week fans of the horror genre were in for a big treat as the virtual BlumFest event went live. Among the biggest announcements included teasers for major projects like Insidious 5 and Freaky. However, by far one of the biggest stories stemming from the event is confirmation that 12 Years a Slave director John Ridley will next team with Blumhouse for a new film titled Project Poltergeist.

The film will reportedly be based on the recent Truly*Adventurous article written by journalist Saleah Blancaflor. The film will focus on true events surrounding unexplained events that happened in New Jersey in the 1960s. The story follows the first reported haunting in a public housing project with a 13-year-old named Ernie Rivers at its center. Unfortunately, after strange noises and freak accidents, the small community is turned upside down by the paranormal activity and real life horrors of systemic racism.

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Blumhouse recently acquired the rights to the article and quickly tapped John Ridley to take control of its development. He will adapt the article for the big screen and direct the film. John Blum will produce the feature via Blumhouse Productions alongside Matthew Pearl and Greg Nicholas. In a statement, Ridley talks about his excitement to tell the true story on the big screen.

“This is an incredible true-life narrative of a young man dealing with horrors – both paranormal and racially systemic – in a community that is scarred by hate, yet ultimately brought together by hope.  I really appreciate Blumhouse’s commitment to telling stories that seek to entertain audiences even as it challenges them,” said Ridley.

In addition to his work on the universally beloved 12 Years a Slave, Ridley serves as the creator and showrunner of the critically acclaimed series American Crime. Moreover, the filmmaker also wrote episodes of the DC animated shows Justice League and Static Shock as well.

What do you think? Are you excited about John Ridley teaming with Blumhouse? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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