Confirmed: The Amytiville Horror franchise will add a new movie

To the delight of horror fans, The Amytiville Horror franchise has decided to add a new film to the legendary saga. It should be noted that this fictional universe has more than thirty films, including prequels, spin-offs, and sequels. Not all of the stories are connected chronologically to the original 1979 film, The Amytiville Horror, but they belong to the same universe.

This new film in the series will be directed by David F. Sandberg and will be produced by Amazon MGM Studios

This new idea offers a completely different perspective, far removed from the names and elements of previous versions. As the producers explained, their goal is to investigate other recorded events as well as the various urban legends related to the famous haunted house on Ocean Avenue in Long Island, New York.

The original script will be developed completely independently from previous versions. In fact, it will not be linked to any intellectual property nor will it use the official rights of the franchise. It is a new interpretation that starts from scratch, providing total creative freedom to approach the real story in a more daring way.

Director Sandberg is ready to take on the challenging role behind the camera to update the Amityville story in a contemporary way with Hollywood funding. Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing are writing a script that revisits the original horror, paying the same attention that spirits do when moving from room to room without making a sound. The producers are Peter Safran, John Rickard, and Natalia Safran, with Lotta Losten serving as executive producer alongside Sandberg.

Eternal success

The 1979 film The Amytiville Horror, directed by Stuart Rosenberg, has become a classic in the horror genre. This story has spawned a franchise that exceeds thirty films, and more will surely continue to grow in the future.

The success of The Amityville Horror movie can be attributed to several key factors that resonated with audiences.

One of the most significant aspects of the film's success is its basis on a purported true story. The film is adapted from Jay Anson's book, which recounts the experiences of George and Kathy Lutz, who claimed to have encountered supernatural phenomena after moving into a house where a gruesome murder had occurred. This connection to real-life events tapped into the public's fascination with the paranormal and the macabre, making the film particularly compelling. The infamous DeFeo murders that preceded the Lutz family's experiences added a layer of historical intrigue that captivated audiences.

Financially, The Amityville Horror was a remarkable success. It grossed over $86 million at the box office on a modest budget of around $4 million, making it one of the highest-grossing independent films of its time. This impressive return on investment not only solidified its commercial viability but also established it as a benchmark for future horror films.

This horror movie effectively created a chilling atmosphere that resonated with viewers. The performances of James Brolin and Margot Kidder were particularly praised, as they brought depth and intensity to their roles, making the audience emotionally invested in their plight. The film's score, composed by Lalo Schifrin, further enhanced its eerie ambiance, contributing to the overall sense of dread that permeated the narrative.

The Amityville Horror played an important role in revitalizing the haunted house subgenre of horror films. Its success led to a wave of sequels and inspired numerous other films exploring similar themes of supernatural terror. The film's legacy is evident in its continued relevance in popular culture, as it remains a touchstone for discussions about haunted houses and paranormal phenomena.

The combination of its true story roots, significant box office success, strong performances, and lasting impact on the horror genre contributed to the enduring success of The Amityville Horror. Its ability to tap into societal fears and fascinations with the supernatural ensured its place as a classic in horror cinema.