More and more fans want to be scared silly around the world. Between 2019 and this year, ticket share at the box office for horror films rose from less than 10% to 20%, according to The Numbers website. Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) is there to meet the demand with an expanded licensing program that includes both new and classic titles. From “Candyman,” which accumulated more than 75 million in ticket sales globally, to classics like “Carrie,” “Silence of the Lambs” and “Poltergeist,” MGM has one of the deepest and most sought-after horror libraries around. 

Through its horror licensing program, MGM is seeking new ways for fans to engage with the storylines and express their fandom. To do this, they have introduced new style guides that offer a unique spin on the art and design for both mainstream properties as well as cult hits. From chibi art for “Silence of the Lambs” to retro “Midnite Movie”-inspired imagery for “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” there are a lot of opportunities for fans to connect with the IP, and a lot of ways for partners to get creative. Already, the team has several best-in-class partners lined up for the European market including Hell on Shirts, Hybris Production AB, Funiglobal Development S.L. and Wacko Maria. 

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen horror fandom grow across the U.K. and Europe and fans are now starting to look for touchpoints to enjoy their favorite franchises beyond the films,” says Robert Marck, executive vice president, global consumer products and experiences, MGM. “We are looking to meet that demand by expanding our licensing program in the region around both our iconic portfolio of horror titles as well as new releases.” 

Looking ahead to 2022, the MGM licensing team is at work building out a program around the upcoming fantasy-horror film, “Dark Harvest,” directed by David Slade and based on the novel by the same name. The film is slated to debut in September 2022 and will star Jeremy Davies (“Justified”), Elizabeth Reaser (“Impeachment: American Crime Story”), Luke Kirby (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), Casey Likes (“The Birch”) and E’myri Crutchfield (“Fargo”). MGM will also be looking at other ways to expand the program around the current portfolio both in Europe and beyond. 

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