Full Breakdown
Blumhouse Develops Feature Adaptation of *The Exorcism at 1600 Penn*
1/31/2026, 2:42:55 AM
Overview of the Project
Blumhouse-Atomic Monster is in the process of developing a feature film adaptation of *The Exorcism at 1600 Penn*, a comic book series created and written by Hannah Rose May and published by IDW Publishing. The narrative centers around Kelly Doyle, the first female president of the United States, who faces the dual challenges of political turmoil and supernatural threats within the White House. The story intricately weaves themes of possession horror with contemporary political issues, as Doyle navigates motherhood, media scrutiny, and the looming threat of World War III.
Key Contributors
The film will be produced by Jason Blum, with Ryan Turek serving as the executive producer for Blumhouse. Hannah Rose May will also be involved in the production alongside IDW Publishing CEO Davidi Jonas. May, who has previously created works such as *Rogues’ Gallery* and *The Guy in the Chair*, expressed her excitement about collaborating with Blumhouse, stating, “Getting to work with Blumhouse to bring *THE EXORCISM AT 1600 PENN* to the big screen feels like a dream come true.”
Narrative Elements
The comic series, illustrated by Vanesa Del Rey, presents the White House as a battleground for good versus evil. As Doyle grapples with her responsibilities, the story escalates into a supernatural conflict, reflecting the urgent and grounded nature of the narrative that attracted Blumhouse's attention. Ryan Turek remarked, “What immediately drew us to *THE EXORCISM AT 1600 PENN* was how grounded and urgent it feels... It is exactly the kind of material we look for when we think about expanding horror into new spaces.”
Sequel and Broader Implications
The comic series has already spawned a sequel titled *The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace*, which further explores supernatural themes in a different setting. This sequel is currently available from IDW Publishing. The potential for *The Exorcism at 1600 Penn* to evolve into a franchise aligns with Blumhouse's history of successful horror adaptations, suggesting a strategic move to capitalize on the growing interest in horror narratives that blend genre elements with contemporary issues.
Official Statements & Responses
Blumhouse's EVP Feature Development, Ryan Turek, emphasized the film's unique blend of horror and political tension, indicating a commitment to finding a filmmaker who can effectively translate this vision to the screen. May's enthusiasm for the project highlights the collaborative spirit between the creators and the studio, reinforcing the potential impact of the adaptation on the horror genre.
What's Next
While *The Exorcism at 1600 Penn* does not yet have a confirmed release date, the project is part of Blumhouse's broader slate, which includes upcoming titles such as *The Mummy* and *Insidious: The Bleeding World*. As the adaptation progresses, further announcements regarding casting and production timelines are anticipated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What immediately drew us to THE EXORCISM AT 1600 PENN was how grounded and urgent it feels,” — Ryan Turek, EVP Feature Development, Blumhouse
- “Getting to work with Blumhouse to bring The Exorcism at 1600 Penn to the big screen feels like a dream come true,” — Hannah Rose May, Creator and Writer
This adaptation represents a significant intersection of horror and political commentary, positioning *The Exorcism at 1600 Penn* as a noteworthy addition to Blumhouse's portfolio.
