BlumFest 2026 Brings Mike Flanagan, James Wan, Jason Blum and More to New York Comic Con

Horror is taking over New York Comic Con as Blumhouse Atomic Monster prepares to unleash its annual BlumFest celebration at the Javits Center, bringing some of the genre’s biggest names together for an evening of first looks, announcements and surprises.

BlumFest 2026 will take place Friday, Oct. 9, with the main event kicking off at 6 p.m. ET on the Empire Stage at the Javits Center in New York City. The session opens at 5:30 p.m., and fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure a seat.

This year’s BlumFest will be hosted by MatPat, creator of The Game Theorists and one of the internet’s best-known voices in storytelling, theories and lore. His early deep dives into Five Nights at Freddy’s and the Backrooms helped introduce both properties to an even larger mainstream audience, making him a fitting host for Blumhouse Atomic Monster’s celebration of all things horror.

Mike Flanagan Brings The Exorcist to BlumFest

Among the biggest attractions will be Mike Flanagan, who will appear alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor to represent the filmmaker’s upcoming The Exorcist.

Flanagan has become one of the most recognizable creative voices in modern horror, and his appearance should give NYCC attendees a closer look at what he has planned for one of the genre’s most recognizable properties.

BlumFest will also welcome Jessica Rothe, who will appear in connection with Josh Giuliano’s River. Rothe is already familiar to Blumhouse audiences through her starring role in the Happy Death Day films.

Also joining the festivities is multimedia storyteller Heidi Wong.

James Wan and Jason Blum Take the Stage

Two of the most influential names behind modern theatrical horror will also be part of this year’s presentation: Atomic Monster founder James Wan and Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum.

Their appearance brings the two creative forces behind Blumhouse Atomic Monster together on the Empire Stage as the company looks ahead at its growing horror slate.

Wan has been a driving force behind major horror properties, while Blum has built Blumhouse into a powerhouse synonymous with contemporary genre filmmaking. Their combined presence makes BlumFest one of NYCC’s major destinations for horror fans looking for news about what is coming next.

First Looks, Announcements and Plenty of Surprises

As usual, BlumFest isn’t simply a conversation about horror. The 2026 presentation promises first looks, new announcements, surprises and giveaways, giving attendees plenty of reasons to expect the unexpected.

Exactly what Blumhouse Atomic Monster plans to reveal remains under wraps, but with Flanagan, Ejiofor, Rothe, Wong, Wan and Blum all scheduled to appear, the presentation is positioned to offer fans a wide-ranging look at the company’s upcoming projects.

For horror fans attending New York Comic Con, BlumFest has once again become a panel worth keeping on the radar.

BlumFest 2026 takes place Friday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. ET on the Empire Stage at the Javits Center. Doors for the session open at 5:30 p.m.