Jacob Chase is set to direct the upcoming horror film Sleepover for Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Universal Pictures. The studio scheduled the project for a theatrical release on October 8, 2027. Chase developed the film based on a screenplay he co-wrote with Bryce McGuire, who also wrote the script for the recent horror release Night Swim. The story originates from a short story authored by McGuire. This project marks a continuation of the working relationship between Chase and the production team.
Blumhouse Atomic Monster recently collaborated with Chase on the film Insidious: Out of the Further. That movie, which serves as the sixth installment in the long-running horror franchise, opened in theaters this past weekend. It earned 60 million dollars at the global box office during its debut window. The studio views this partnership as a key asset for their future release slate. Jason Blum is producing the film. Executive producers for the title include Chase, McGuire, and Bea Sequiera. Lilly Tyson manages the production oversight for Blumhouse Atomic Monster.
Horror cinema relies heavily on specific technical mechanics. Chase recently spoke about his process regarding the genre. He compared the art of scaring audiences to performing magic tricks. He stated that the process involves misdirection and constant surprise to achieve the desired reaction from viewers. This perspective aligns with his body of work in the genre, including his earlier feature film Come Play.
Sleepover enters development during a busy period for Universal and its production partners. The project occupies a specific slot in the studio’s calendar as they attempt to maintain momentum in the horror market. The success of the Insidious franchise suggests a strong appetite for this type of genre content. The studio labels the film as the quintessential sleepover nightmare. The collaboration aims to capture the same audience that turned out for previous installments in the Blumhouse catalog.
Beyond his work on Insidious, Chase remains active within the industry through his representation. CAA, The Initiative Group, and the firm Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman represent him. McGuire maintains representation through Gersh and Ziffren Brittenham. These agencies move projects through the development pipeline in a competitive environment. The involvement of established horror producers provides a framework for the film to reach its intended October release date. Industry watchers will look to the production updates for further details on casting and potential plot points as the 2027 date approaches.