Blumhouse-Atomic Monster's horror hits Obsession and Backrooms rewrite box office rules
Two major horror films are leading the box office this month. Obsession has already surpassed $100 million, while Backrooms is set to break records with a potential $90 million opening. Behind these hits stands Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, a production powerhouse formed over two years ago by Jason Blum and James Wan. The merger between Blumhouse and Atomic Monster brought together Blum’s business acumen and Wan’s creative direction. Their collaboration aimed to tap into fresh talent, particularly from younger and non-traditional filmmakers. A strategic shift around a year ago refocused the company on low-budget projects led by this new wave of creators.
*Obsession* became a standout success, backed by Blum after producers Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath of Divide/Conquer and director Curry Barker presented their vision. The film’s performance has only grown, climbing in earnings for two consecutive weekends after its release. Meanwhile, *Backrooms*, directed by YouTube creator Kane Parsons, is poised to set a new opening-weekend record for distributor A24. Blum attributes part of this success to the way digital-native filmmakers engage with audiences. Their approach to test screenings and direct fan connections helps refine films before release. He has described the current era as a thrilling time for cinema, with unconventional directors reshaping what movies can be. Looking ahead, Blum’s ambition is clear: he wants Blumhouse-Atomic Monster to become ‘the Disney of horror’ within five years. The company’s ability to nurture young talent and turn modest budgets into major box office wins suggests this goal may be within reach.
The combined strength of Blumhouse-Atomic Monster has already delivered two of this month’s biggest films. With Obsession still rising and Backrooms set for a historic debut, their strategy of empowering new creators is paying off. If trends continue, the company could soon dominate horror entertainment on a global scale.
