Focus Features, Blumhouse-Atomic Monster Land Curcio's 'Play House' in Seven-Figure Deal
Micro-budget horror film 'Play House,' Nicolas Curcio's debut, was made for just over $100,000 and will hit theaters in 2027.
Focus Features and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster have acquired worldwide rights to Play House, the micro-budget horror film from debut director Nicolas Curcio, in a seven-figure deal, according to Deadline. The acquisition excludes Latin America and India, with Universal Pictures International set to handle international distribution.
Play House was written by Curcio and Kirby Gladstein. The film follows Elliott, played by Will Harrison, who discovers VHS tapes of an unaired children's TV show while renovating a house. The cast also includes Jessica Sula, Jordan Gonzalez, and James Urbaniak.
The project was made for just over $100,000 and is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2027.
From Fantastic Fest to a Global Deal
In September 2025, Curcio set the project in motion after winning the inaugural Fantastic Pitches contest, a micro-budget genre initiative spearheaded by Alamo Drafthouse's Fantastic Fest and indie studio Chroma.
He returned to Fantastic Fest to premiere the film last month. Curcio recently set up his high-concept thriller spec Sweet Spot, penned with Gladstein, at Paramount Primal. He is a writer on Sony Pictures Animation's GOAT, and his script Barron made the Black List in 2019.
Focus Features and Blumhouse-Atomic Monster recently announced their partnership on director Josh Giuliano's Occupant following the buzzy TIFF debut of his first horror film, River.
Quick answers
When will Play House be released in theaters?
Play House is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2027.
Who wrote Play House?
The film was written by Nicolas Curcio and Kirby Gladstein.
Who is distributing Play House internationally?
Universal Pictures International will handle international distribution.