Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele Are Teaming up for a ‘Portrait of God’ Film Adaptation
Dylan Clark expands his YouTube-born religious horror sensation into a studio-backed existential nightmare for Universal.
Summary
- Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele are partnering to produce a feature film adaptation of Dylan Clark’s viral horror short, Portrait of God
- Clark will both direct and co-write the religious horror thriller, which explores whether a godlike presence is benevolent or malevolent
- This collaboration marks the first time the Evil Dead auteur and the Get Out mastermind have shared a producer credit
Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele are finally joining forces, producing a feature adaptation of Dylan Clark’s viral horror short Portrait of God for Universal Pictures. The move unites two generations of horror visionaries behind the camera instead of in front of it.
Plot details are locked down, but expect the feature to push deeper into questions of whether a godlike presence is benevolent, indifferent, or outright malevolent. Portrait of God positions itself as a moody, existential counterpoint to jump-scare factory horror. Clark will direct and co-write the feature with Joe Russo, expanding his minimalist seven-minute short into a full-length religious horror thriller. The original film runs just over seven minutes and has already racked up more than 8.6 million views on YouTube.
The short follows a devout young woman rehearsing a slide presentation about a painting known as “Portrait of God,” which appears as a black void to some viewers while others swear they see the same gaunt, grinning figure staring back. Faith, obsession, and the danger of looking for divinity in the dark collide.
Raimi is producing through Ghost House Pictures, while Peele boards via his Monkeypaw Productions deal at Universal. It is the first time the Evil Dead auteur and the Get Out mastermind have ever shared a producer credit, instantly turning the project into one of the most-watched horror plays in development.
For Clark, the feature marks a breakthrough moment from YouTube horror staple to studio-backed filmmaker. His work sits at the intersection of religion, technology, and low-budget dread, making this upgrade to the big leagues feel like a logical next chapter rather than a leap.
