Cineverse and its horror division, Bloody Disgusting, have secured U.S. VOD and streaming rights for 'Portal to Hell,' the debut feature from Woody Bess, which premiered at Slamdance and Frightfest. A limited theatrical release will precede its digital launch this summer.
Star-Studded Cast
The film features Trey Holland, Romina D’Ugo, Keith David, and Richard Kind. The plot centers on Dunn, played by Holland, a debt collector whose ordinary life is upended when a portal opens in his laundromat. A demon, portrayed by Kind, arrives to drag his neighbor, Mr. Bobshank (David), to hell over an unpaid debt. Dunn, known for resolving debts, refuses the demon's offer of exchanging three souls for Bobshank’s freedom.
Production and Creatives
Woody Bess, who also wrote the 2024 Blacklist script 'Total Landscaping,' serves as the writer and director. Producers include Holland, Lucas Ford, and Tom Watts, with Little Shadows as the production company in association with Hello Moon, Ford Films, This is Swington, Dalmatian Cow, and Baked Studios. The executive producers are David, Dionne Lea Williams, Matthew Dean Russell, and George A Loucas. Additional cast members are Michael McDonald, Casey Deidrick, Trevor Newlin, Ryan Follesé, Kevin Fonteyne, and Monet Weir.
Distribution and Deals
Negotiated by Raven Banner’s Cecilia Brush and Michael Paszt along with Cineverse's VP of acquisitions, Dan Fisher, the deal positions Raven Banner to continue selling worldwide rights at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. Other distribution deals include Lighthouse in Germany and 9th Planet in Poland.
Statements and Theatrical Release
“We’re excited to bring ‘Portal to Hell’ to Cineverse and work with the passionate group of genre folks there to release the film. Their reach and partnership felt like a good home to bring our film to a larger audience,” said the filmmakers.
Dan Fisher described 'Portal to Hell' as a “sharp, wildly entertaining genre film” that aligns with Cineverse and Bloody Disgusting audiences, highlighting its inventive and comedic horror elements.
The film will screen in select theaters including Paradise in Toronto on July 9, Laurelhurst Theater in Portland on July 24 and 25, and Screenland Amour in Kansas City on July 31. Additional venues and dates include The Palace Eastwood in Syracuse, Rio Theater in Vancouver, Cinema Art Theater in Rehoboth Beach, The Independent in Huntsville, Chase Park Plaza Cinema in St. Louis, Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa, Shoals Theatre in Florence, Darkside Cinema in Corvallis, Rodeo Cinema in Oklahoma City, and Lumiere Cinema in Beverly Hills.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/cineverse-buys-horror-comedy-portal-to-hell-1236806935/
