Josh Giuliano Shocks With Blumhouse Thriller 'Occupant' After TIFF

The American Film Institute‑alumni director and writer Josh Giuliano wrapped his debut feature *River* with a world premiere at last night’s Toronto International Film Festival.

The Midnight Madness screening drew attention for its tense, family‑driven horror and for the star‑studded cast of Jane Levy, Jessica Rothe, Max Mattern, and Dane DiLiegro.

In the same week Giuliano already secured his next film, a horror feature titled *Occupant*, with Blumhouse Atomic Monster, Divide/Conquer and Spooky Pictures.

## Background & Context

*River* follows three estranged siblings who return to their hometown after their father’s death to scatter his ashes on a remote river. The plan turns into a nightmare when their boat breaks down, plunging them into a waking terror that tests family bonds and personal limits.

The film is written and directed by Giuliano, whose short‑film work has been honored at Fantasia, Fantastic Fest and FrightFest.

The production of *Occupant* brings together a core group of collaborators who previously worked on Curry Barker’s breakout horror *Obsession*. Producers Jason Blum (Blumhouse Atomic Monster), Greg Gilreath and Adam Hendricks (Divide/Conquer), and Steven Schneider (Spooky Pictures) helm the project.

Executive producers include Daniel Bekerman, Derek Bishé, Neil Mathieson, Allie Steffler, Sam Zimmerman and Jeremy Kulyk, with an association through Closer Media.

Focus Features holds worldwide rights to *Occupant* and has arranged for Universal Pictures International to handle international distribution. The film is set up in association with Closer Media and will be written and directed by Giuliano under the Blumhouse Atomic Monster banner.

## What People Are Saying

Industry insiders note that Giuliano’s partnership with Blumhouse came through Sam Zimmerman, who joined the studio from Shudder earlier this year. Zimmerman introduced Giuliano to Gilreath and Hendricks, who have a first‑look deal with Blumhouse Atomic Monster—an arrangement first reported in December.

The collaboration reunites many of the same figures behind *Obsession*, which Focus released as its most‑grossing film worldwide, topping $512 million.

Blumhouse Atomic Monster’s recent successes—including *Obsession* and Kane Parsons’ debut *Backrooms*—show a pattern of nurturing young digital‑native filmmakers.

While the studio did not produce Giuliano’s *River*, it has positioned his next project, *Occupant*, for focus distribution and international reach, mirroring its strategy with Curry Barker’s subsequent film *Anything but Ghosts*.

No public statements from the director or producers have yet been released regarding creative direction or release dates for *Occupant*. Focus and Blumhouse maintain that plot details remain under wraps, emphasizing a surprise‑driven marketing approach common to the horror genre.

## What Happens Next

The next step for Giuliano is to begin pre‑production on *Occupant* after the TIFF premiere of *River*. With Blumhouse Atomic Monster, Divide/Conquer and Spooky Pictures attached, the film’s development is slated to proceed in close collaboration with Focus Features’ distribution team.

The involvement of Jason Blum and other seasoned producers signals confidence in Giuliano’s capacity to expand his career beyond his initial feature.

The industry will be watching for the first production updates, including casting announcements and shooting schedules, which are expected to surface before the summer festival circuit.

As Focus has handled international distribution through Universal Pictures International, a global release window may open once post‑production is complete.

Meanwhile, Giuliano’s previous short films—recognised at Fantasia, Fantastic Fest and FrightFest—remain his growing reputation in genre circles. Represented by CAA, Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment and Marios Rush, he continues to build a résumé that balances creative ambition with proven festival success.

The next chapters of Giuliano’s career promise a blend of fresh horror storytelling and strategic partnerships that have already begun to shape the contemporary genre landscape.