James Tynion IV's Production House Tiny Onion Announces First Look Deal with Blumhouse Atomic

EXQUISITE CORPSES IN DEVELOPMENT FOR FILM AND ANIMATION UNDER DEAL, ALONGSIDE LYRICAL MEDIA

​Something is Killing the Children and Exquisite Corpses lead a growing slate of screen horror franchises adapted from James Tynion IV's bestselling comic books

As announced today by The Hollywood Reporter, James Tynion IV's production house Tiny Onion has entered a first look deal with Blumhouse Atomic to develop intellectual property across film, television and animation. Under the new deal, Tiny Onion will partner with Blumhouse Atomic and Lyrical Media to develop Exquisite Corpses across both film and animation, based on the bestselling series co-created by Tynion and artist Michael Walsh and published by Image Comics. Exquisite Corpses has sold over one million copies in its first eighteen months of publication.

Tiny Onion and Blumhouse Atomic previously announced that the companies are developing Tynion’s record-breaking Something Is Killing The Children comic series, in collaboration with publisher BOOM! Studios, as a live-action film and adult animated series. 

“From the moment I first stepped into the Blumhouse offices, it felt like coming home," said Tynion. “Every person in that building, and every filmmaker on their roster is dedicated to making great horror, and I’m thrilled to stand by their side and help bring these terrifying stories to life.”

“James has been a valued partner on Something Is Killing The Children, which is why we wanted to expand our relationship. He has great storytelling instincts with a passion for the horror genre,” said Jason Blum, CEO and Founder of Blumhouse Atomic. “As we look to develop more IP, this felt like a great fit, and we’re happy to take the next step with him and Tiny Onion.”

Tynion, whose bestselling, award-winning horror comics Something Is Killing The Children, Exquisite Corpses, The Department of Truth, and The Nice House on the Lake have sold millions of copies worldwide, announced the creation of his independent production house Tiny Onion in early 2024, with an investment from Lyrical Media. Tiny Onion and Lyrical Media announced the feature adaptation of Exquisite Corpses, in addition to the development of a feature based on Tynion's short film and one-shot comic, Room Service, in January.

Something is Killing the Children is in active development as a feature film with director Craig Zobel (Mare of Easttown, The Hunt), and will enter production next year. Blumhouse is developing the franchise both as a live-action film and an adult animated television series, with Tynion spearheading the latter. Stephen Christy and James Tynion IV will produce the film for BOOM! Studios and Penguin Random House, alongside Jason Blum for Blumhouse. Jon Watts, Shaun S. Sutton, Ryan Turek, Adam Yoelin and Mette Norkjaer will executive produce. Series co-creator and artist Werther Dell’Edera will co-produce.

Something is Killing the Children begins in the sleepy Wisconsin town of Archer’s Peak, where several children have gone missing. This attracts a mysterious stranger, Erica Slaughter. She alone will destroy them, no matter the cost. Something is Killing the Children explores a dark and deadly world where monsters exist, and only children can see them. The organization known as the Order of St. George is tasked with keeping monsters a secret by any means necessary. With in-depth lore, an alluring sorting system, and magnetic characters, Something is Killing the Children has captured the hearts of comic book fans worldwide, and ​is perfect for fans of Stranger Things, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and John Wick.

Exquisite Corpses was the biggest original IP comic hit of 2025 and marked the best debut comic for Tynion in over three years. In the hit comic book series, the wealthiest families in America play a game every five years on Halloween. Twelve of the deadliest people in the world are dropped into a small town with just one goal: last killer standing wins. They call the game “Exquisite Corpses.” Along with developing and producing three spin-off comic book series, an anthology one-shot comic, and the second season/arc of the comics, Tiny Onion also recently launched Exquisite Corpses: The Game, which was 400% funded on Kickstarter.

Blumhouse Atomic is a leading entertainment company formed through the 2024 merger of Jason Blum’s Blumhouse and James Wan’s Atomic Monster, two of the most influential companies in horror. Operating under two distinct production labels, Blumhouse and Atomic Monster, the company develops and produces original films, television series and some of the genre’s most recognizable franchises, including The Conjuring, Insidious, Paranormal Activity, The Purge, Five Nights at Freddy’s and M3GAN.

Tynion is represented by United Talent Agency, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, and TroyGould.