May 30, 2026 9:40am PT

Jason Blum Opens Produced By Conference Comparing the Low-Budget Horror Boom to ‘Edgy Movies’ With a ’70s Vibe

Success of 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms' reflects a fresh wave of talent and Gen Z's embrace of cinemas, Blumhouse-Atomic Monster chief says

Mark Von Holden for Variety

Producers Jason Blum and James Wan opened the Produced By conference on Saturday with a declaration that the film business is strongly rebounding from the post-COVID doldrums. The pair spoke with enthusiasm as their Blumhouse-Atomic Monster studio is riding high on the success of two buzzy box office hits — Focus Features’ “Obsession” and A24’s “Backrooms.”