At the Produced By Conference held at Universal Studios, producers Jason Blum and James Wan, leaders of the newly merged Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, shared their insights on the current state of the film industry and their future aspirations.

The duo highlighted the unexpected box office success of recent horror films, "Obsession" and "Backrooms," as a sign of renewed theatrical relevance.

Blum noted that these films, made by non-traditional directors who honed their skills online, represent a new kind of cinema.

"Obsession," directed by 26-year-old YouTuber Curry Barker and released on May 15, was produced for $750,000.

It has achieved a rare feat, increasing its box office gross in its second and third weekends, a pattern not seen outside of Christmas releases since 1982, according to Blum.

Similarly, "Backrooms," from 20-year-old YouTuber Kane Parsons, is projected to have a significant opening, potentially becoming the biggest in A24 history.

This $10 million adaptation of Parsons' viral YouTube series could gross as much as $90 million.

The success of these films, according to Blum, echoes the 1970s era of young filmmakers breaking into the horror genre with edgy and unconventional movies that resonate with audiences.

James Wan, known for directing horror hits like "Saw" and "The Conjuring," emphasized the enduring importance of the horror genre.

He stated, "The horror genre keeps saving our industry," crediting its continuous success with helping the entertainment sector recover and thrive.

The producers also mentioned a forthcoming "Blair Witch Project" reboot, which will involve a creator who started online, further cementing their commitment to digital-native talent.

Looking ahead, Blum and Wan outlined their ambitious vision for Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, which officially merged in 2024 and includes divisions for television, gaming, and live events.

Their goal is to adapt continuously with audience preferences and avoid complacency.

Blum articulated their ultimate aspiration: to become "The Disney of horror" within the next five years, signaling a significant expansion and influence within the entertainment landscape.