Hollywood Powerhouse: Writers Chad and Carey W. Hayes Secure New Deal with Gulfstream Pictures for ‘The Feud’

In a significant acquisition that underscores the industry’s continued appetite for high-stakes, international action narratives, Gulfstream Pictures has officially secured the rights to The Feud, an original screenplay penned by the powerhouse writing duo Chad and Carey W. Hayes. The deal, which adds a high-octane project to Gulfstream’s growing development slate, marks a pivotal moment for both the production company and the sibling writers, who are currently basking in the massive commercial and critical success of their recent supernatural blockbuster, The Conjuring.

The Core of the Deal: An Overview of ‘The Feud’

While the specific plot details of The Feud remain largely under wraps, industry insiders describe the script as a pulse-pounding action-thriller set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s intricate cultural landscape. The narrative revolves around a centuries-old, deep-seated conflict between two prominent families. By focusing on the historical gravity of a long-standing vendetta, the Hayes brothers have crafted a screenplay that promises to blend intense, modern-day kinetic action with the complex familial drama that has become a hallmark of their writing style.

For Gulfstream Pictures, the acquisition represents a strategic shift toward high-concept, globe-trotting action. By securing a script from writers with a proven track record of box-office dominance, Gulfstream is signaling its intent to move into the upper echelons of major studio-level production, leveraging the Hayes brothers’ current heat in the industry to ensure that The Feud becomes a top-priority tentpole.

Chronology: The Ascent of the Hayes Brothers

The trajectory of Chad and Carey W. Hayes is nothing short of a Hollywood success story. Having spent years honing their craft, the duo hit a career-defining milestone with the release of the horror phenomenon The Conjuring.

• July 2013: The Conjuring debuts in theaters, immediately defying industry expectations. Starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, the film showcases the Hayes brothers’ ability to build tension and deliver compelling, character-driven narratives within a genre often dismissed as derivative.
• Post-Release Surge: Within just 12 days of its theatrical run, The Conjuring shattered projections, raking in nearly $90 million in domestic grosses. This explosive performance cemented the Hayes brothers as A-list screenwriting talent.
• The Announcement: Following the critical and commercial triumph of their horror hit, news broke—first reported by Deadline—that the brothers had finalized the sale of their latest project, The Feud, to Gulfstream Pictures.
• Concurrent Projects: During this same window, it was revealed that the duo was simultaneously attached to the highly anticipated San Andreas 3D project at New Line, further cementing their status as the industry’s "go-to" writers for high-stakes, large-scale entertainment.

Supporting Data: Why ‘The Feud’ Matters

To understand the significance of this deal, one must look at the economic reality of the film industry in 2013. Mid-budget, original action scripts are increasingly rare in a landscape dominated by established intellectual property (IP). By selling The Feud as an original concept, the Hayes brothers are defying the trend of sequel-heavy development.

The involvement of Gulfstream Pictures adds an additional layer of intrigue. Established only a year prior to the acquisition, the production company has been aggressively building its brand. Their portfolio already includes the animated hit The Nut Job and the romantic comedy Blended, which reunited the iconic pairing of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. By pivoting to an action-heavy project like The Feud, Gulfstream is effectively diversifying its output, proving they have the capital and the vision to compete across multiple genres.

The production team assembled for The Feud is a testament to the project’s perceived potential. Gulfstream partners Mike Karz and Bill Bindley have brought in the heavy-hitting team from Circle of Confusion, including David Alpert, Ken Freimann, and Rick Jacobs. This coalition of producers is known for their ability to shepherd complex projects from script to screen, suggesting that The Feud is being fast-tracked for a major production start date.

Official Responses and Industry Context

While the principals have remained relatively quiet regarding the specifics of the The Feud script, the broader industry reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

"The Hayes brothers have an incredible knack for understanding the heartbeat of an audience," one industry analyst noted. "Whether it’s the quiet, psychological terror of The Conjuring or the high-stakes, sprawling conflict of a Hong Kong-based action film, they understand how to structure a story that keeps viewers engaged from the first page to the last."

The writers’ move into the action genre is not a surprise to those who have followed their career. Their ability to handle the "sequel and franchise" pressure of The Conjuring 2—a project they have also been developing—demonstrates a technical proficiency that makes them ideal for the fast-paced nature of action-thrillers. Their dual commitment to New Line (for the Conjuring franchise and San Andreas 3D) and now to Gulfstream signals a busy, high-profile future for the siblings.

The Broader Implications: What This Means for Action Cinema

The acquisition of The Feud by Gulfstream carries several implications for the future of action films:

1. The Rise of Independent Powerhouses: Gulfstream’s ability to outmaneuver larger studios for a hot script from top-tier talent indicates that the "middle class" of production companies is becoming increasingly influential. These companies are no longer just supporting players; they are the primary architects of original content.
2. The Persistence of Originality: While Hollywood is often criticized for a lack of imagination, the success of the Hayes brothers demonstrates that there is still a massive market for original, high-concept screenplays. If The Feud performs as well as their previous projects, it could spark a "gold rush" for original action scripts, encouraging studios to invest in non-IP stories once again.
3. Globalized Storytelling: By setting The Feud in Hong Kong, the Hayes brothers are tapping into the increasingly vital international box office. Modern action films are designed to be globally resonant, and by incorporating international settings and cultural conflicts, the film is poised to capture both domestic and overseas interest—a critical requirement for any film with a significant budget.

As the production of The Feud moves forward, all eyes will be on the casting choices and the director selection. Given the pedigree of the writers and the strength of the production team, expectations are already running high. The Hayes brothers have proven they can terrify an audience; with The Feud, they are looking to prove they can command the global action stage with equal fervor.

For now, the deal serves as a reminder that in the volatile world of film production, a strong script remains the most valuable currency. With the backing of Gulfstream and the creative vision of the Hayes brothers, The Feud stands as one of the most promising projects in development, destined to be a focal point of industry conversation as it prepares to transition from the page to the big screen.