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Paul Feig to Helm Horror Feature "Detention"
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Paul Feig to Helm Horror Feature "Detention"

Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Jul 09, 2026

Paul Feig, a director known for successful comedies like Bridesmaids and thrillers such as A Simple Favor and The Housemaid, is now venturing into the horror genre with his upcoming film, Detention. This project, which involves Blumhouse Atomic Monster, signifies a new direction for Feig. The narrative of Detention revolves around a group of former classmates who, upon reconnecting, stumble upon an unsettling secret from their past. The film is currently in its early stages, with no cast members officially attached, but expectations are high given Feig's track record and the involvement of prominent production houses.

Director Paul Feig Explores New Territory with "Detention"

In a significant shift from his well-known comedic and thriller works, filmmaker Paul Feig is poised to direct Detention, a horror feature. The announcement, made on July 9, 2026, reveals that Feig will collaborate with Blumhouse Atomic Monster on this intriguing project. While the specific plot details remain largely concealed, it has been hinted that the film will explore a chilling mystery uncovered by a group of former schoolmates. This production is a joint effort between Feig's own company, Pretty Dangerous, and the prolific horror studio Blumhouse Atomic Monster, with Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller, and Cameron Fuller also serving as producers. Steven Schneider, Bea Sequeira, and Daniel Gold are attached as executive producers. The script, initially a spec by Daniel Gold, was championed by Brad Fuller, who was instrumental in bringing Feig aboard. Gold has recently garnered attention for selling his spec script Tough Guys to Amazon MGM Studios, set to star Ryan Gosling and Will Ferrell, and for his role in writing Ride Along 3 for Universal. Currently, no actors have been cast for Detention, and the anticipation is that this will be Feig's next directorial endeavor following the completion of The Housemaid's Secret for Lionsgate. Feig is currently enjoying a wave of success, particularly with The Housemaid, which achieved global box office success, surpassing $400 million on a modest $35 million budget. The sequel, The Housemaid's Secret, reunites Feig with actress Sydney Sweeney and introduces Kirsten Dunst to the franchise. The representation for Paul Feig includes CAA, Sloane Offer, and The Lede Company, while Daniel Gold is represented by CAA, Underground, and Ginsburg Daniels.

This move into horror by Paul Feig is an exciting development for cinephiles. Known for his keen understanding of character and narrative, Feig's entry into a genre as distinct as horror suggests a refreshing and perhaps innovative approach to the scares and suspense. His ability to blend humor with genuine emotional depth in his previous works could translate into a horror film that is not only terrifying but also deeply resonant. The collaboration with Blumhouse Atomic Monster, a powerhouse in contemporary horror, further elevates expectations, promising a film that could redefine the boundaries of the genre.

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