Lionsgate has acquired the rights to adapt the YouTube horror short film "Portrait of God" into a feature-length movie. The project will be produced by Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi, with Chase Infiniti set to star and original creator Dylan Clark returning to direct and co-write.
The original seven-minute short film, written and directed by Dylan Clark, centers on a religious girl who believes she sees God in a painting. The narrative begins with a quote from the Bible, "No man shall see Me and live," setting a tone of divine mystery and potential peril. While some viewers perceive nothing in the artwork, others report seeing a figure, an experience the protagonist interprets as a religious encounter that takes a sinister turn.
Peele, known for his work on "Get Out," and Raimi, celebrated for "The Evil Dead" franchise, bring their extensive experience in horror to the production. Dylan Clark will also co-write the screenplay with Joe Russo. The adaptation is expected to expand upon the themes and narrative presented in the original short, potentially exploring the painting's backstory or charting a new direction.
"Portrait of God" joins a growing trend of horror films derived from internet phenomena. Films like Kane Parsons' "Backrooms," inspired by a popular YouTube creepypasta series, have demonstrated the potential for such adaptations to capture audience interest and achieve commercial success, often with relatively modest production budgets. Lionsgate is likely aiming for similar results with "Portrait of God."