John Gore Studios, the entertainment company that owns the storied Hammer Films, has secured the rights to the complete literary works of Dame Susan Hill. This acquisition encompasses all of Hill’s past and future writings, including her renowned ghost story, ‘The Woman in Black,’ and her popular ‘Simon Serrailler’ crime novels. The deal signals a strategic move by John Gore to expand his content portfolio, leveraging established literary properties for new adaptations across various media platforms.
Dame Susan Hill, a prolific British author, was awarded a damehood (DBE) in 2010 for her significant contributions to literature. Her work often explores themes of isolation, psychological suspense, and the supernatural, making her a compelling fit for the horror legacy of Hammer Films.
The Expanding Empire of John Gore
John Gore, a prominent British theatre producer, leads the John Gore Organization, which includes major theatrical entities like Broadway Across America and Broadway.com. His influence in live entertainment is substantial, and his recent ventures indicate a significant expansion into film and television production.
Gore acquired Hammer Films and Studios in August 2023, taking on the role of its Chairman and CEO. This acquisition marked a revival for the iconic British horror studio, known for its classic gothic films. The integration of Hammer Films into Gore’s broader entertainment holdings has been a key part of his strategy.
Further consolidating his media interests, John Gore Studios is currently merging with the US-based John Gore Organization. This restructuring aims to bring all of Gore’s entertainment assets under a single holding company, streamlining operations and maximizing synergistic opportunities across theatre, film, and digital platforms.
‘The Woman in Black’ and Its Enduring Legacy
‘The Woman in Black,’ published in 1983, remains Susan Hill’s most famous work. The gothic horror novel tells the story of a young solicitor who encounters a malevolent ghost in a remote English village. Its chilling narrative has resonated with audiences for decades.
The novel has seen multiple successful adaptations. A stage play, first performed in 1987, has become one of the longest-running productions in London’s West End, captivating audiences with its minimalist yet terrifying presentation. The story also inspired a 2012 film starring Daniel Radcliffe, which achieved significant box office success, further cementing its place in modern horror canon.
The acquisition by John Gore Studios suggests potential new adaptations of ‘The Woman in Black.’ This could include further cinematic interpretations, television series, or even new theatrical productions, leveraging the story’s proven appeal and Hill’s rich narrative world.
What This Means for Susan Hill’s Other Works
Beyond ‘The Woman in Black,’ Dame Susan Hill’s extensive bibliography includes a wide range of novels, short stories, and non-fiction. Her ‘Simon Serrailler’ series of crime novels, featuring the detective chief inspector Simon Serrailler, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. These novels offer a different genre for adaptation, potentially expanding John Gore Studios’ reach into crime drama.
The deal grants John Gore Studios access to Hill’s entire catalog, providing a wealth of material for development. This comprehensive acquisition strategy allows for the creation of a cohesive slate of projects, potentially building interconnected universes or franchises based on Hill’s distinct literary voice. The move reflects a broader industry trend where media companies seek to control intellectual property across all platforms.
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Restructuring and Future Vision
The acquisition comes amidst significant internal restructuring within John Gore’s enterprises. Hilary Strong, who served as CEO of UK-based John Gore Studios, stepped down in August 2026 as part of the ongoing merger and consolidation efforts. This organizational shift aims to create a more unified and efficient global entertainment company under John Gore’s direct leadership.
The strategic vision appears to be one of vertical integration and content ownership. By acquiring the complete works of an author like Susan Hill, John Gore Studios secures a valuable pipeline of intellectual property that can be developed, produced, and distributed across its various theatrical and film divisions. This positions the company to be a significant player in both live entertainment and filmed content for years to come.
The deal underscores the value placed on established literary properties in the current media landscape. Companies are increasingly looking to proven narratives and beloved authors to mitigate risk and attract audiences in a competitive market. Susan Hill’s body of work, with its blend of suspense, atmosphere, and compelling characters, offers a strong foundation for future entertainment ventures.
Authors write. Producers acquire. Studios adapt. Audiences wait.
A new chapter.
Sources
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