What began as a seven-minute YouTube short is now officially heading to the big screen as a major Hollywood horror event. Lionsgate has formally greenlit a feature-length adaptation of Dylan Clark’s viral 2022 hit, Portrait of God.
The minimalist short captivated millions of online viewers with its deeply unsettling premise surrounding a mysterious, ambiguous painting. After amassing a massive digital audience, the project caught the attention of major industry powerhouses, cementing Clark’s status as one of the most exciting rising filmmakers in the horror landscape.
Powerhouse Horror Icons Join Forces Behind the Scenes
The upcoming feature marks a historic cinematic milestone. It is the first collaboration between modern horror legends Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele. Producing through Ghost House Pictures and Monkeypaw Productions alongside partners, the duo is lending massive creative weight to the project. Clark will direct the film from an expanded screenplay he co-wrote with Joe Russo. Following a competitive studio transition that ultimately landed the property at Lionsgate. This project further solidifies Clark’s relationship with the studio, where he is also attached to direct a high-profile new installment of The Blair Witch Project.
A Breakout Lead and Expanding Supernatural Mythology
Rising star Chase Infiniti, coming off prominent roles in One Battle After Another, has been cast in the lead role. The original short followed a devout young woman preparing a presentation on an obscure painting. One that reveals drastically different things depending on who looked at it. While some viewers saw nothing more than a pitch-black canvas, others witnessed a grotesque, withered figure lurking in the shadows. The feature-length expansion promises to build on that creeping psychological dread. It will also deepen the core mythology into a full-scale theatrical nightmare.
Production Ahead for One of Horror’s Most Anticipated Projects
While Lionsgate is keeping specific narrative additions under wraps, the greenlight signals rapid movement on production. The combination of viral source material, an elite production team, and a compelling lead actor positions the film as one of the most anticipated horror releases on the horizon.
While we wait for more updates, you can watch the original short film Portrait of God below for a taste of the horrors to come.
