Blumhouse to Adapt 'Something Is Killing the Children' (Movie & Series!)

Get ready, horror fans! The mega-popular comic series Something Is Killing The Children is officially coming to screens, thanks to genre giant Blumhouse. And get this: we're getting both a movie and an adult animated show!

TL;DR: Here's the Quick Scoop on the SIKTC Adaptation

Blumhouse successfully acquired the film and TV rights for the acclaimed comic Something Is Killing the Children after a competitive bidding war.
The horror studio plans to simultaneously develop both a live-action feature film and an adult animated series based on the popular monster-hunting universe.
Comic creators James Tynion IV and Werther Dell'Edera are confirmed to be deeply involved in the adaptations, ensuring the original vision stays intact.

Blumhouse Jumps into the Dark World of Erica Slaughter

If you're into horror comics, you've probably heard of Something Is Killing the Children (SIKTC). It's been a massive hit since it first dropped in 2019, captivating readers with its unique blend of primal fears and a kick-ass monster hunter. Now, the powerhouse horror studio Blumhouse—you know them from franchises like The Black Phone and Five Nights at Freddy's—has officially acquired the rights to adapt this beloved series for both the big and small screens.

This is HUGE news because it means we're not just getting one bite at the apple; Blumhouse is going all-in, developing a live-action feature film and an adult animated series simultaneously. It's a dual approach that promises to fully explore the rich, terrifying world that James Tynion IV and Werther Dell'Edera created.

Unveiling the Chilling Premise of 'Something Is Killing the Children'

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For the uninitiated, Something Is Killing the Children plunges us into a world where a terrifying secret lurks: monsters are real, they feast on kids, and only children can actually see them. Adults are completely oblivious, leaving the young victims isolated in their terror. But fear not, because a mysterious hero arrives on the scene: Erica Slaughter.

Erica is a member of the Order of St. George, a secret organization dedicated to hunting these fear-and-trauma-born monsters. She's tough, she's got a creepy stuffed octopus sidekick, and she's not afraid to get her hands bloody. Her job isn't just to kill monsters, though; it's also to keep the very existence of these creatures hidden from the adult world. The series dives deep into her traumatic past and the sinister politics of the monster-killing cabal, offering a compelling blend of action, mystery, and truly unsettling horror.

Why This Blumhouse Deal Is a Game-Changer for Fans

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Blumhouse winning the rights to SIKTC is a massive win for fans. The studio has a proven track record of taking high-concept horror and turning it into mainstream gold, often while keeping production costs savvy and creative vision intact. Their recent successes, like Black Phone 2, show they know how to deliver scares that resonate with audiences.

Interestingly, this wasn't the first attempt to bring SIKTC to the screen. Netflix previously held the rights for a live-action series, which went through various stages of development with talents like Mike Flanagan (Midnight Mass) and later Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese (creators of Dark). However, Netflix ultimately passed on the project in late 2024. The streaming giant's movie group then tried to re-enter the bidding war against Lionsgate, but Blumhouse ultimately emerged victorious, showcasing a strong commitment to the franchise's potential.

Jason Blum himself has stated that the comic "taps into our most primal fears" and introduces "Erica Slaughter, the ass-kicking hero we all wish we had to fight the monsters that lurk in the dark." This understanding of the core appeal, combined with their success in adapting other popular IPs like Five Nights at Freddy's, makes them an ideal home for Erica's adventures.

The Dynamic Duo: Creators James Tynion IV and Werther Dell'Edera Are Heavily Involved

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One of the most reassuring aspects of this announcement for die-hard SIKTC fans is the direct involvement of the comic's co-creators. James Tynion IV, the writer, will executive produce the adult animated series and produce the live-action film. Werther Dell'Edera, the artist, will serve as co-executive producer on the animated series and co-producer on the film.

This level of creative oversight from the original minds behind SIKTC is crucial. Tynion IV expressed his excitement, saying, "Something is Killing the Children is the comic book that changed my life and career forever. Finding a partner who understood the potential of Erica Slaughter and the world Werther Dell'Edera and I have built was crucial, and we have found that partner in Jason Blum. Nobody understands horror better than Blumhouse, and I can't wait for the world to see what we all have planned together."

“It’s easy to see why audiences and critics alike have praised Something is Killing the Children. James and Werther’s comic book series taps into our most primal fears, luring us into a fascinating world and introducing Erica Slaughter, the ass-kicking hero we all wish we had to fight the monsters that lurk in the dark.”

— Jason Blum, CEO and Founder of Blumhouse

A Look at the Team Bringing SIKTC to Life on Screen

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Getting these adaptations off the ground requires a solid team, and Blumhouse has brought together some key players:

Live-Action Feature Film Producers: Jason Blum, Stephen Christy (from BOOM! Studios), and James Tynion IV.
Live-Action Feature Film Executive Producers: Shaun Sutton, Ryan Turek, Adam Yoelin, and Mette Norkjaer.
Live-Action Feature Film Co-Producer: Werther Dell'Edera.
Adult Animated Series Executive Producers: James Tynion IV and Stephen Christy.
Adult Animated Series Co-Executive Producers: Werther Dell'Edera, Adam Yoelin, and Mette Norkjaer.

This extensive list of producers and executive producers, including the original creators, indicates a strong commitment to making these adaptations successful and true to their source material.

Why 'Something Is Killing the Children' Is a Comic Book Juggernaut

The reason for all this excitement isn't just a fleeting trend; SIKTC is genuinely one of the biggest comic book success stories of the 21st century. It's often called the biggest horror comic since The Walking Dead and the biggest indie hit since Saga. With over 5 million copies sold globally and translations into more than 20 languages across 14 countries, its reach is undeniable.

The first issue alone has sold over 175,000 copies through multiple printings, a rare feat in today's publishing world. The critical acclaim is just as impressive: it was nominated for an Eisner for Best New Series in 2020 and won Best Series in 2022. James Tynion IV himself won three consecutive Eisner Awards for Best Writer from 2021 to 2023, a distinction only matched by comic legends Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore. It also snagged a Harvey Award for Book of the Year and a Ringo Award for Best Series.

BOOM! Studios, now under Penguin Random House, has even committed to a staggering 100-issue run, guaranteeing the series will be around for years. Plus, there are successful spinoffs like House of Slaughter and an upcoming event, Fall of the House of Slaughter, set for 2026. All of this means there's a deep, rich universe with tons of lore, characters, and stories ready to be adapted.

What This Means for the Future of Horror Entertainment

With Blumhouse at the helm, and the creators guiding the vision, SIKTC adaptations have incredible potential. The dual approach allows for flexibility: a feature film can offer a concise, high-impact narrative, while an animated series can delve deeper into the intricate lore, expand on the diverse cast of characters, and explore themes like grief, alienation, and even LGBTQ+ representation, as some sources have suggested.

While no release dates have been announced yet, the simultaneous development means we could potentially see both projects emerge relatively close to each other, building a truly expansive and interconnected "Slaughterverse." This is more than just another comic book adaptation; it's a chance for a genuinely fresh, terrifying, and critically acclaimed story to find its way to a massive new audience.

Keep your eyes peeled (and maybe a monster-hunting weapon handy) for more updates on casting, production, and release details. This is one horror franchise you won't want to miss!

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Something Is Killing the Children' What is Something Is Killing the Children about? It's a horror comic series set in a world where supernatural monsters exist, but only children can see them. The story follows Erica Slaughter, a mysterious monster hunter who arrives in towns plagued by these creatures, working to eliminate the threats and keep their existence a secret from adults. Who is involved in the Blumhouse adaptations? Blumhouse, led by CEO Jason Blum, is producing. The comic's co-creators, writer James Tynion IV and artist Werther Dell'Edera, are heavily involved in both the live-action film and the adult animated series as producers and executive producers, ensuring the adaptations stay true to the original vision. When will the Something Is Killing the Children movie or series be released? As of now, no specific release dates have been announced for either the live-action film or the adult animated series. Both projects are in active development simultaneously. Why did Netflix's previous adaptation plans not work out? Netflix previously had the rights and developed a live-action series with creators like Mike Flanagan and later Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. However, Netflix decided to pass on the project in late 2024 after extensive development, leading to Blumhouse acquiring the rights in a new bidding war.