Sony Pictures Animation and Amazon MGM Studios have set October 8, 2027, as the theatrical release date for The Haunting of Hotel Transylvania, the fifth film in the animated monster-comedy franchise. It’s the series’ first theatrical release since 2018, according to Deadline, which first reported the deal.
Box office numbers so far
The original Hotel Transylvania opened in 2012 and made $355 million worldwide. Hotel Transylvania 2 followed with $475 million, and Summer Vacation topped both in 2018 with $530 million, still the franchise’s high point. Combined, the four films have grossed over $1.38 billion, per TheWrap. The fourth film, Transformania, broke that pattern in 2022 when Sony sent it straight to Prime Video instead of theaters.
What the movie is about
Dracula has retired. His daughter Mavis is now running the hotel. Then things start going wrong — unexplained disturbances hit the resort, and the Drac Pack has to figure out what’s behind them, according to the synopsis Sony shared with Variety. No cast has been announced yet.
Who’s making it
Jennifer Kluska and Alan Hawkins are directing. Lawrence Jonas is producing. Genndy Tartakovsky, who created the franchise, is back as an executive producer alongside longtime producer Michelle Murdocca, according to Bloody Disgusting. Sony Pictures Animation co-presidents Kristine Belson and Damien de Froberville said in a statement that the franchise has always paired a distinct visual style with character-driven comedy, and that this installment is meant to continue that while still surprising audiences.
Why Amazon is involved
This traces back to a 2022 deal. When Sony sent Transformania to Prime Video rather than theaters, Amazon MGM Studios got co-production rights on whatever film came next, according to ComicBasics. That’s this film. Sony will distribute in North America and select markets. Amazon MGM will handle the UK, France, Germany, Mexico, Australia, and other international territories.
What else is opening that day
October 8, 2027, will be a crowded release date. It’s also currently set for an untitled Blumhouse project, an untitled Disney film, and an untitled Cineverse horror release, according to AV Club. Amazon MGM Studios’ head of film, Courtenay Valenti, said in a statement that the franchise has become a family tradition for audiences and that the studio is glad to bring the characters back to theaters.
