Exciting news for horror fans: Scott Derrickson, the mastermind behind The Black Phone, is teaming up with Joe Hill again—and this time, it’s for a brand-new project at Screen Gems. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this collaboration wasn’t just about creative passion—it was also about something deeply personal. In a recent interview with Mashable, Hill revealed that Derrickson went above and beyond to help him secure this project, treating it with the urgency of ensuring his family’s healthcare. And this is the part most people miss: Hill writes a screenplay every year solely to maintain his healthcare insurance through the Writers Guild of America, a safety net that proved invaluable when his wife faced a costly cancer-related surgery. Talk about a real-life plot twist!
Currently, Hill is revising a screenplay for a 2025 release, adapting an unpublished novella of his own. While he hasn’t disclosed the novella’s title, speculation is rife that it might be connected to Ushers, a project announced two years ago by producer Gary Dauberman. Originally slated for inclusion in the now-cancelled anthology New Demons, Ushers was initially penned by Zak Olkewicz, known for The Last Voyage of the Demeter and Bullet Train. However, with no updates since, it’s possible Hill has taken over scripting duties—or perhaps this new project is something entirely different. We’ll have to wait and see.
But here’s the controversial question: Is it ethical for artists to rely on creative work primarily for healthcare benefits? Hill’s situation highlights the harsh realities many creators face, but it also sparks debate about systemic issues in the industry. What do you think? Are you excited about this new Joe Hill project, whether it’s Ushers or something else? Let us know in the comments below!
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