A New Horror Contender: Bidding War for 'Jealous People Are Ugly People' Concludes
A bidding war for the horror project 'Jealous People Are Ugly People' has concluded with New Line Cinema winning the rights. The film, based on a viral short, is generating excitement among genre fans.
In a surprising turn of events before filming has even commenced, a horror project in Hollywood has ignited an intense bidding war. The studio that has secured the rights to this intriguing title has now been revealed, sparking excitement among genre enthusiasts.
The concept of "Backrooms" transformed from a viral short film series into a cinematic phenomenon, and similar aspirations are being placed on another short film project. Titled "Jealous People Are Ugly People," this project has captivated the attention of multiple Hollywood studios, leading to a fierce bidding contest.
Reports indicate that approximately ten bidders participated in the auction. Ultimately, as reported by the industry magazine Deadline, New Line Cinema, a subsidiary of Warner Bros., has emerged victorious in acquiring the rights to "Jealous People Are Ugly People."
The Vision Behind the Film
The creative force behind this project is Greek-British filmmaker Theo James Krekis, who directed the original short film and is set to write and direct the feature-length adaptation.
Details surrounding the plot of the feature film remain largely under wraps. What is confirmed is that it will expand upon the narrative established in Krekis' acclaimed short film. Commissioned by the BBC and produced by The Fold, the original short premiered in 2026 during the Midnight Madness section at the SXSW Film Festival. The story centers on Vasilly, whose jealousy over his best friend's sudden professional success cultivates a dark supernatural force within him.
The success of "Backrooms" has demonstrated the studios' growing confidence in original horror concepts emerging from the short film realm. "Jealous People Are Ugly People" is poised to follow a similar trajectory: a celebrated festival short, a prominent studio backing, and high expectations, all before a single scene of the feature film has been shot.
There is currently no information on when filming will commence or who will be part of the cast. Given the significant interest surrounding the project, it is already being regarded as one of the horror films that genre fans should keep a close eye on in the coming months. It remains to be seen if this project will evolve into the next unexpected success, akin to "Backrooms."
The trend of viral internet sensations transforming into profitable horror films is currently a hot topic among production companies in Hollywood. Another project that fits this mold is also making waves, promising to bring one of the internet's eeriest figures to the big screen.
