Universal and Blumhouse Acquired Horror Film River
The studios secured rights to the survival thriller following its festival debut in Toronto.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Horror
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Universal and Blumhouse have purchased the rights to the horror film River for over $10 million. The acquisition follows the movie's premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
Why it matters
The deal signals continued industry interest in mid-budget horror projects led by emerging directors. The film aims to deliver a high-tension survival thriller experience centered on three stranded siblings.
The production holds a runtime of 92 minutes. The acquisition price for the project was confirmed at over $10 million.
The players
Universal
Universal is a major American film studio and production company that distributes motion pictures globally.
Blumhouse
Blumhouse is a production company that specializes in horror and thriller films and has a history of high-profit, low-budget successes.
Jessica Rothe
Jessica Rothe is a lead actress known for her roles in various high-profile horror and thriller features.
Jane Levy
Jane Levy is a film and television actress who joined the project due to the script and interest in the director.
Joshua Giuliano
Joshua Giuliano is the filmmaker who wrote and directed the survival thriller River.
The details
Written and directed by Joshua Giuliano, the film follows three siblings forced into a night-long struggle for survival. The production features a custom-designed mask and detailed physical choreography for the killer, portrayed by Dane DiLiegro.
Timeline
September 2026: The film River premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Industry Dynamics
This acquisition reflects the ongoing studio demand for genre-specific content that can anchor a release schedule. It follows the pattern of horror films gaining industry traction after launching at the Midnight Madness program at TIFF.
Moviegoers should monitor future announcements from the studios regarding a widespread theatrical rollout for the title. No specific streaming or digital release details have been provided for the film yet.
The takeaway
The investment underscores how festival premieres remain a primary engine for talent discovery in the horror genre. Audiences can look forward to seeing how the film's physical design choices translate to the final theatrical cut.
Further reading
For more on emerging genre titles, browse the Horror section.
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