Netflix has acquired the rights to adapt “The blanks,” a horror thriller short story. This marks another critically important move for the streaming giant in the horror genre,further solidifying its commitment to diverse and engaging content.

Production Team and Key Players

The project will be produced by 21 Laps’ Shawn Levy and Dan levine, continuing their long-term creative partnership with Netflix. Adam Goldworm of Aperture Entertainment will also produce, with Grady Hendrix serving as an executive producer. Details regarding the director and screenwriter for the adaptation are yet to be announced.

Hendrix’s Growing Influence in Horror

This acquisition follows Hendrix’s increasing prominence in the horror scene. Another of his short stories, “Ankle Snatcher,” is slated for adaptation by Sony, with Escape Artists attached. His works have consistently drawn attention from major studios and streaming platforms.

Story Synopsis: “The Blanks”

“The Blanks” plunges into the unsettling experience of a family returning to their vacation home on Jeckle Island, a place steeped in familiar routines and peculiar, unwritten rules. The narrative takes a dark turn when Rashel’s son reveals that a family friend has encountered something terrifying, shattering the illusion of normalcy and setting off a chain of events that will irrevocably alter their lives.

Inside LayerThe family returns to their vacation home on Jeckle Island,just as they do it every summer,settling on familiar routines and following the unexpected rules of the island. When Rashel’s son reveals that a family friend collapsed and faced something unspeakable, the illusion of a normal situation shakes – excluding the chain of events that will change their lives forever.

Hendrix’s Literary Success and Adaptations

Hendrix has become a notable figure in the genre, with numerous works adapted for film and television. He is the author of several New York times bestsellers,including “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires” (in progress at HBO),”The Final Girl support Group” (previously in development at HBO Max),and “How to Sell a Haunted House” (in development at Legendary with James Ashcroft directing and Sam Raimi’s Ghost House producing). Other notable works include “Horrorstör” (in development at new Republic with Hendrix adapting), “My Best Friend’s Exorcism” (adapted into an Amazon movie), “We Sold Our Souls,” and the Bram Stoker Award-winning novel “Paperbacks from Hell.” His books have sold over 2.4 million copies worldwide.

Production Companies Involved

21 Laps is currently working on the fifth and final season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” set to premiere later this year. The company recently announced adaptations of Freida McFadden’s psychological thriller “never Lie” and a Madonna limited series, both for Netflix.

Aperture Entertainment is producing “Hannibal” at Netflix, starring Denzel Washington and directed by Antoine Fuqua, as well as “Defrost” at New Line with “Evil Dead Rise” director Lee Cronin. They are also involved in “Horrorstör” at New Republic, the indie horror film “Swallow,” and “How to Sell a Haunted House” at Legendary. Goldworm previously produced the acclaimed indie films “Dead Mail” and “My friend Dahmer,” as well as the vin Diesel-led “The Last Witch Hunter,” which grossed over $147 million. Aperture is also developing an adaptation of Hendrix’s “The Final Girl support Group” and the comic series “Proof” at Fox with Westbrook.

Representation

Hendrix is represented by Aperture Entertainment, Joshua Bilmes of Jabberwocky, and Gang, Tire, Ramer, Brown & Passman. Goldworm is repped by Ashley Silver at Brecheen, feldman, Breimer, silver & Thompson.