Studio John Gore, Owner of Hammer Films, Acquires Full Rights to Works of Susan Hill, Author of 'The Woman in Black' (Exclusive)

Britain's iconic horror brand Hammer Films could return to the chilling world of one of its most successful films. Studio John Gore, which owns Hammer (acquired by theater giant John Gore in late 2023), has acquired all rights to the works of Susan Hill, which in 1983 became the gothic horror film 'The Woman in […]'

British horror icon Hammer Films could return to the terrifying world of one of its most successful films.

John Gore Studios, which owns Hammer (which was acquired by theater giant John Gore in late 2023), has acquired all rights to the works of Dom Susan Hill, who wrote the 1983 gothic horror The Woman in Black.

Considered one of the most defining British ghost stories of modern times, The Woman in Black is being adapted into a hugely successful stage adaptation that ran for 33 years in London's West End. In 2012, Daniel Radcliffe - fresh out of Hogwarts - co-starred with Hammer in The Woman in Black, which grossed $127.7 million and became the highest-grossing British horror film in 20 years (and the biggest US opening for a Hammer film in the studio's history). Related Stories Record Store Day 2026 Black Friday lineup unveiled: Noah Kahan, Katseye, Sombr, Springsteen, Wicked, KPop Demon Hunters and 180 more exclusives

Along with The Woman in Black, Hill's body of work spans more than six decades of publishing, including literary fiction, crime fiction, children's books, memoirs, and radio drama. Among his many honors, his novel The Night Bird was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1972, while his wider honors include the Somerset Maugham Prize, the Whitbread Novel Prize and being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Popular in Variety

"For any writer, John Gore Studios brings together a true respect for heritage with an understanding of how classic stories can reach new audiences, and Hammer has a long and distinguished place in the history of British Gothic storytelling, so I'm delighted that these worlds can come together for the next season," said an encouraging Stahl.

Gore recently revealed to Variety that with the release of 4K versions of Hammer's library, he is now looking to bring some of its classic monsters back to the screen with new adaptations, including Dracula and Frankenstein. Hill Library - including "The Woman in Black" - adds more opportunities. John Gore Studios said it is looking to exploit its collections in film and television while pursuing opportunities in theaters where existing rights arrangements allow.

Gore, founder and chief executive of John Gore Studios, said: "Susan Hale is one of Britain's most distinctive literary voices and it is a privilege to be the curator of such an extraordinary body of work." "Our ambition is to approach these stories with the same care, skill and respect for character, suspense and atmosphere that Susan has brought to them throughout her career. As we explore new ways to bring her work to audiences across film, television and beyond, Susan's voice and vision will remain at the heart of all we do. Above all, we hope that each new interpretation will encourage audiences to explore, or return to, the remarkable writing that inspired them."

The acquisition was led by John Gore Studio COO Anouska Spiers. Development will be overseen by Chief Creative Officer Frances Hopkinson and John Gore Studios' creative team, while Spire will oversee portfolio/franchise management and overall exploitation strategy for John Gore Studios. Hill will actively participate in new creative projects and be part of ongoing management relationships around portfolio and development strategy, as well as executive producer of new projects.

"Susan Hale's collection of extraordinary works represents exactly the kind of timeless storytelling that lies at the heart of John Gore Studio's creative ambitions," says Spiers. The success of The Woman in Black proved her storytelling prowess on screen, but that's just the beginning. Susan Hill's catalog offers a rich world of gothic horror, psychological suspense and unforgettable characters, and we look forward to expanding this legacy, creating interconnected opportunities for iconic stories, new adaptations and worlds that can captivate audiences for years to come.

Susan Hill is represented by Peters Fraser & Dunlop (PFD). Carolyn Michel, literary agent and managing director of PFD, was instrumental in putting together the deal and will continue to represent John Gore Studios as the property owner.