Hollywood’s relentless search for the next internet-bred horror prodigy continues to gain momentum. Joining the ranks of online creators transitioning into feature filmmaking, social media creator Spencer Lackey is officially set to make his cinematic feature debut with Lust, THR reports. The upcoming original horror film marks a major step forward for the creator’s dark, viral storytelling.
An All-Star Coalition of Genre Heavyweights
The feature has assembled a formidable alliance of genre powerhouses. Renowned distributors and production hubs Neon, Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and Spooky Pictures are officially joining forces to produce.
Lackey will write and direct the project. However, he will receive hands-on guidance from legendary horror veteran Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity). Schneider is producing for Spooky Pictures, alongside titans Jason Blum and James Wan representing Blumhouse and Atomic Monster. Neon and Blumhouse Atomic Monster will co-finance the feature.
While specific plot details for Lust are currently under lock and key, the project leverages Lackey’s distinct visual style, which has captivated a massive global audience across social platforms.
From Viral Shorts to Hollywood Major Releases
Lackey has built an incredible digital empire. He has over six million followers across Instagram and TikTok, along with nearly 669,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. His content specializes in eerie, short-form horror vignettes. They often depict terrifying spectral entities and unsettling monsters silently watching him as he goes about mundane daily activities. His talent previously caught the eye of modern horror royalty last Halloween. Director Mike Flanagan signed on as an associate producer for Lackey’s spooky short film You Are Here, which you can watch below.
The Internet-to-Cinema Pipeline Surges Ahead
The announcement of Lust comes amid a booming industry trend that sees major studios aggressively scouting online creators who have built built-in audiences through viral dread.
Driven by the massive box office triumphs of creator-driven hits like Obsession and Backrooms, Hollywood is leaning heavily into digital talent. Lackey’s project arrives mere days after fellow YouTuber Sam Evenson was tapped to adapt his viral short Ignore It. Internet artist Trevor Henderson is similarly seeing his iconic creations, including Siren Head and Cartoon Cat, developed for the big screen.
We’ll keep you posted as more details surrounding Lustsurface. In the meantime, you can watch Lackey’s You Are Here below.
