Blumhouse and Universal Pictures are closing in on a $10+ million deal for theatrical distribution of Joshua Giuliano’s brutal slasher film “River,” which had its world premiere at Toronto recently according to Dread Central.
The opening-night selection of TIFF’s Midnight Madness program, the film teams two modern scream queens – “Happy Death Day” star Jessica Rothe with “Don’t Breathe” and “Evil Dead” alum Jane Levy.
The pair play estranged sisters who reunite with their younger brother (Max Mattern) to scatter their father’s ashes along a remote river.
When their boat breaks down, the siblings find themselves stranded miles from help and stalked by a faceless killer (Dane DiLiegro).
When it was announced last year, the project was dubbed a Shudder Original Production, with Independent Film Company handling its theatrical release – those plans now appear to have changed.
The film next heads to Fantastic Fest for its U.S. premiere. Giuliano was hired last week to write and direct “Occupant” for Blumhouse and Universal’s Focus Features.
