franchise is getting a makeover following the polarizing . Horror maestro Mike Flanagan will write, direct and produce what Blumhouse is describing as a “radical new take” on the franchise, one that will be set in the universe but will not be a sequel to . Flanagan’s hiring is a notable change in direction that comes nearly three years after Universal announced a $400 million that would allow it to make a trilogy of films to be helmed by David Gordon Green, the filmmaker behind Universal and Blumhouse’s hit movies.

Those plans were put on the shelf after Green’s earned negative reviews and brought in $137 million at the box office. Flanagan is a prolific and respected hand in the horror world, known for directing Stephen King adaptations such as and and creating TV shows such as , and . His involvement in has been rumored for weeks after reported he was eyed for the job.

“ is one of the reasons I became a filmmaker, and it is an honor to have the chance to try something fresh, bold and terrifying within its universe. Reuniting with my friends at Blumhouse, with whom I’ve made some of my favorite pieces of work, only makes this more exciting,” said Flanagan, who previously worked with the company as a writer and director on 2013 , (2016) and (2016). Producers on Flanagan’s new movie include Trevor Macy on behalf of Intrepid Pictures and Flanagan via his new Red Room Pictures banner.

Intrepid’s John Scherer is also in the mix on the film. “Mike’s voice a.