Blumhouse Remakes ‘Vincent Must Die’ Where Eye Contact Could Be Fatal
Blumhouse has established its reputation by discovering the next big horror concept before it becomes mainstream, whether through original franchises or reviving beloved classics for new audiences. Their latest venture continues this trend, drawing inspiration from across the Atlantic.
This time, Blumhouse Atomic Monster is collaborating with AR Content and Vertigo Entertainment to create an English-language remake of a critically acclaimed French-Belgian thriller that made significant waves on the festival circuit a few years back. The intriguing premise of the original film has already generated buzz, even before any casting announcements have been made.
‘Vincent Must Die,’ directed by Stéphan Castang, centers on an ordinary office worker named Vincent whose mundane existence unravels when strangers, coworkers, and even neighbors erupt into violent, murderous rages the moment they make direct eye contact with him. The film premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival’s Critics’ Week program before hitting American theaters as part of a Halloween double feature.
David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, known for his work on ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ and ‘Insidious: Out of the Further,’ has been tapped to write and direct the American remake, marking his feature directorial debut. Johnson-McGoldrick expressed his excitement for the project, stating that he fell in love with the original film and views this opportunity as a dream come true, according to a statement shared with Variety.
His experience makes him a suitable choice for this material. In addition to his work in the Conjuring universe, Johnson-McGoldrick has also penned scripts for ‘Orphan’ and ‘Aquaman,’ giving him a diverse background in both grounded horror and large-scale studio filmmaking, which could effectively balance the tonal shifts that the original film executed so well.
This balancing act was crucial to the original ‘Vincent Must Die’ receiving critical acclaim. The film currently boasts a 93 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics lauding its gradual transition from quirky dark comedy to genuinely tense horror-drama, anchored by a standout performance from actor Karim Leklou in the lead role.
Producers for the remake include AR Content’s Alexander Rodnyansky and Michael Kupisk, Vertigo Entertainment’s Roy Lee, and Atomic Monster’s Michael Clear, with Stuart Manashil serving as executive producer alongside Goodfellas. Clear expressed enthusiasm about continuing his collaboration with Johnson-McGoldrick, highlighting the writer-director’s consistent ability to deliver strong storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship in every project.
Rodnyansky echoed this sentiment, describing the original film as an extraordinary piece of cinema and expressing confidence in Johnson-McGoldrick’s vision for introducing the story to a broader audience. This aligns with Blumhouse’s overall strategy this year, which has already included remakes of other acclaimed horror properties.
This isn’t the only international horror project currently being adapted under the Blumhouse banner. The studio has also confirmed a reimagining of ‘The Blair Witch Project’ this year, along with new installments tied to ‘The Exorcist,’ ‘Paranormal Activity,’ and ‘Saw,’ highlighting the company’s aggressive expansion in the horror genre.
No casting announcements or release date have been confirmed yet for the ‘Vincent Must Die’ remake, leaving ample room for speculation about who might take on Leklou’s role in the English-language version. Given the strength of the source material and the talent behind this adaptation, horror enthusiasts have every reason to keep a close watch as more details unfold.
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