20th Century Studios Acquires Netflix Horror Script 'Every House Is Haunted'

20th Century Studios has acquired the horror script "Every House Is Haunted," originally purchased by Netflix in 2021, from the streaming giant. The project is based on the short story "The House on Ashley Avenue" by Ian Rogers. Directing the film will be Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, the filmmaking duo known for their 2024 Netflix thriller "Don't Move," which starred Kelsey Asbille. The acquisition marks a shift for the project, which had been in development at Netflix.

"Every House Is Haunted" was developed from a genre script penned by Jason Pagan and Andrew Deutschman. The narrative is rooted in Rogers' short story, which likely provides the foundational elements for the film's plot and atmosphere. While specific plot details of "Every House Is Haunted" remain undisclosed, the involvement of Schindler and Netto, coupled with the genre classification, suggests a focus on suspenseful and frightening themes. Their previous work on "Don't Move", a thriller that garnered attention on Netflix, indicates a capacity for creating tension and engaging audiences within the horror and thriller space. The sale from Netflix to 20th Century Studios suggests a strategic decision by Netflix to divest from the project, potentially due to shifting content priorities or a reassessment of its development slate. For 20th Century Studios, this acquisition represents an opportunity to bolster its genre offerings.

The acquisition by 20th Century Studios, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, places "Every House Is Haunted" within a major Hollywood studio system known for producing a wide range of films. This move could provide the project with greater resources for production, marketing, and distribution compared to its status at Netflix. The transition from a streaming platform to a traditional studio acquisition also signals a potential theatrical release strategy, although this has not been confirmed. The involvement of Pagan and Deutschman as writers, alongside the directorial team of Schindler and Netto, indicates a collaborative effort to bring a compelling horror narrative to the screen. The original short story by Ian Rogers, "The House on Ashley Avenue," serves as the literary bedrock for the film, implying that the script will translate its core concepts and chilling elements into a cinematic experience. Further details regarding the cast, production timeline, and specific release plans are expected to be announced as the project moves forward under 20th Century Studios' purview.