Paramount Renews Deal with Horror Mastermind Walter Hamada

In October 2025, Paramount Pictures has renewed its exclusive, multiyear production deal with Walter Hamada and his 18Hz Productions. Hamada, a former DC Films executive, will continue to spearhead the studio's mainstream horror movies under this renewed agreement.

The deal will see Hamada and 18Hz focus on producing low- to mid-budget genre films for both theatrical and streaming release. Hamada's producing credits include the successful Conjuring franchise and the recent hit The Batman, showcasing his expertise in the horror and thriller genres.

Some of the upcoming 18Hz productions include the horror thriller Primate, directed by Johannes Roberts and set for a January 2026 release. The film stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur and centers on a group of friends whose tropical vacation takes a terrifying turn. Additionally, 18Hz is working on an untitled horror project from director André Ovredal and starring Jacob Scipio, Lou Llobell, and Melissa Leo, as well as director Caye Casas's Familiar.

The slate also includes Suffer Little Children, a reimagining of the 1976 Spanish horror film Who Can Kill a Child?, from director and writer Rodrigue Huart. Details about the plot are currently under wraps, but the original film followed a couple who travels to a remote island, only to realize all the adults have been killed.