A24 Faced Backlash Over SCP Foundation Film Project
The studio's plan to adapt the open-source internet horror project has ignited questions about licensing compliance.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Horror
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A24 announced plans to integrate the SCP Foundation universe into its V/H/S horror anthology series. However, the move has triggered controversy due to the creative community's lack of involvement and the strict requirements of the property's open-source license.
Why it matters
The project challenges the boundaries of intellectual property, as the SCP Foundation operates under a Creative Commons license that mandates any adaptations must remain open for public use and redistribution.
The SCP Foundation content is governed by the CC BY-SA 3.0 license, which dictates that derivative works must allow for further adaptation and redistribution. Legal experts suggest the studio cannot claim exclusive distribution rights for material under these terms.
The players
A24
A24 is an American independent entertainment company known for producing and distributing critically acclaimed horror and drama films.
SCP Foundation
The SCP Foundation is a collaborative, community-driven internet project centered on fictional stories about secret organizations and anomalous entities.
Anna Tumadóttir
Anna Tumadóttir serves as the CEO of Creative Commons, the nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the range of creative works available for others to build upon legally.
The details
The SCP Foundation Wiki reported it had no communication with A24, Image Nation Studios, or Spooky Pictures regarding the development of the installment. Creative Commons CEO Anna Tumadóttir noted that adaptations of CC BY-SA works must adhere to the same license terms, leaving the studios to consider rebranding or adopting an open-license distribution model.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: The announcement and subsequent controversy surfaced.
Industry Dynamics
This project marks a significant clash between the traditional closed-studio business model and the growing influence of community-driven, open-license internet franchises. It signals a potential paradigm shift where studios must navigate the complex realities of crowdsourced intellectual property rather than relying on standard exclusive copyright protections.
The licensing conflict could dictate whether the film ever receives a traditional theatrical release or is forced to be distributed under a public-access model. Viewers should monitor how this dispute influences the eventual platform and format used for the project's release.
The takeaway
This dispute illustrates the importance of verifying copyright status before investing in community-built lore. Creators must respect the ShareAlike mandates if they intend to utilize open-source internet universes in professional film projects.
Further reading
Explore more developments in the genre on our Horror section.
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Should companies hold exclusive rights to films based on community-licensed creative works?
