Matt Konopka | Published: Nov 6, 2026
BREAKING: Recently, we reported that Craig Zobel would direct an adaptation of James Tynion IV‘s popular horror comic, Something Is Killing the Children, for Blumhouse Atomic. Now, the studio has announced they are developing another of the writer’s tales for a film adaptation and animation…Exquisite Corpses.
Blumhouse Atomic has revealed they’ve entered a first look deal with Tiny Onion, the production house of James Tynion IV, to develop his intellectual property across film, television and animation. Part of that deal has Blumhouse Atomic joining Tiny Onion and Lyrical Media in the development of Exquisite Corpses, a best-selling, award-winning series co-created by Tynion and artist Michael Walsh across both film and animation.
Exquisite Corpses has sold over one million copies in its first eighteen months of publication by Image Comics. Not too shabby.
“James has been a valued partner on Something Is Killing The Children, which is why we wanted to expand our relationship. He has great storytelling instincts with a passion for the horror genre,” said Jason Blum, CEO and Co-Founder, Blumhouse Atomic. “As we look to develop more IP, this felt like a great fit, and we’re happy to take the next step with him and Tiny Onion.”
“From the moment I first stepped into the Blumhouse offices, it felt like coming home, ” said James Tynion IV. “Every person in that building, and every filmmaker on their roster is dedicated to making great horror, and I’m thrilled to stand by their side and help bring these terrifying stories to life.”
Tynion, whose bestselling, award-winning horror comics Something Is Killing The Children, Exquisite Corpses, The Department of Truth, and The Nice House on the Lake have sold millions of copies worldwide, announced the creation of his independent production house Tiny Onion in early 2024, with an investment from Lyrical Media. Tiny Onion develops new intellectual property, releasing graphic novels and comics through publishing partners like Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Penguin Random House, while directly overseeing their adaptations across multimedia. Tiny Onion and Lyrical Media announced the feature adaptation of Exquisite Corpses, in addition to the development of a feature based on Tynion’s short film and one-shot comic, Room Service, in January.
Something is Killing the Children is in active development and will enter production next year. Blumhouse is developing the franchise both as a live-action film and an adult animated television series, with Tynion spearheading the latter. Stephen Christy and James Tynion IV will produce the film for BOOM! Studios and Penguin Random House, alongside Jason Blum for Blumhouse. Jon Watts, Shaun S. Sutton, Ryan Turek, Adam Yoelin and Mette Norkjaer will executive produce. Series co-creator and artist Werther Dell’Edera will co-produce.
Dread’s own Brad Miska said regarding the project: “Exquisite Corpses is a slasher fan’s wet dream, and the kind of property that could spawn an entire universe of films, television series, and spin-offs. For those who haven’t read it yet, the ultra-violent comic centers on a deadly competition in which 12 of the world’s most dangerous killers are unleashed on an unsuspecting town, with each new season introducing a fresh location and a new lineup of potential horror icons.”
Continued Brad, “The first season has already given us two incredible characters, the Fox Mask Killer and Rascal Randy, a psychotic bunny mascot, both of whom have become fan favorites and received their own comic book spin-offs. Blumhouse is a fantastic home for this kind of franchise, with seemingly endless possibilities for expanding its world. And if you haven’t started reading James Tynion IV yet, you’re seriously missing out. He’s basically the Scott Snyder of the indie horror world right now, and practically everything he writes is must-read material. It’s incredibly exciting to see his stories making their way to the screen.”
Consider me sold. While I haven’t read much of Tynion (that’s going to change), my wife, a comic shop owner, can’t stop telling me how much she loves his work, either.
If you’re like me and still haven’t read Exquisite Corpses, now is a great time to get into it.
Categorized:Comics / BooksNews
