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Universal's Langley Champions Original Horror Amid Audience Shift

9/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Donna Langley, NBCUniversal Chairman, addressed the horror genre's evolution at TIFF after Focus Features acquired "Obsession" for over $15M.
She observed changing audience preferences, noting the success of "Nosferatu" and Warner Bros' "Sinners."
Langley highlighted the significance of large format screens for younger viewers, termed the "Letterboxd generation."
She affirmed that original storytelling is vital for Universal, referencing "Oppenheimer's" $975.8M gross.
Langley stated that Universal will continue to support original films despite budget limitations, preferring to guide rather than create stories.

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Story summary

Donna Langley, NBCUniversal Chairman, addressed the horror genre's evolution at TIFF after Focus Features acquired "Obsession" for over $15M.
She observed changing audience preferences, noting the success of "Nosferatu" and Warner Bros' "Sinners."
Langley highlighted the significance of large format screens for younger viewers, termed the "Letterboxd generation."
She affirmed that original storytelling is vital for Universal, referencing "Oppenheimer's" $975.8M gross.
Langley stated that Universal will continue to support original films despite budget limitations, preferring to guide rather than create stories.