Scream Queen Slasher Comedy HORRIFIED Adds Doug Jones, Allison Dunbar, and More to Cast
Filming is officially underway on Horrified, a comedy-horror feature that follows a washed-up scream queen’s bloody return to the spotlight.
Julie Benz (Dexter) leads the film as a former horror star re-entering the convention circuit for some fast cash. But things take a deadly turn when a pig-masked killer from her cult film past resurfaces, forcing her to fight for her life and legacy.
Joining Benz in the cast are Jason Behr (The Grudge), Allison Dunbar (Yellowstone), Aimeé Teegarden (Friday Night Lights), and genre icon Doug Jones (The Shape of Water). They round out an ensemble that already includes Busy Philipps (Mean Girls), Ron Perlman (Hellboy), and Jim Rash (The Way Way Back).
The movie marks the feature debut of writer-director Michael Zara and is produced by Rebellium Films, led by Randy Wayne and Talia Bella, with Zara also producing under his Ghost Bunni banner.
Horrified is the first film to benefit from tax rebate programs recently launched by Tulsa FMAC and Visit Broken Arrow, with additional support from the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. In a statement, Tulsa FMAC shared:
“Rebellium Films has been a tremendous partner in showcasing Tulsa as a creative hub and film destination. Their continued work and investment in our city and region have helped put Tulsa on the map as a premier place for storytelling, and we’re so happy to see our regional film-friendly cities like Broken Arrow experience that as well. We in the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture look forward to seeing what the future holds and what Rebellium creates next.”
The full ensemble also includes Harry Jowsey (Dancing with the Stars), Kearran Giovanni (Homestead), Cody Mayo (Runaways), Natalie Lander (The Middle), Rachel Cannon (Mad Men), Jay Donnell (The Color Purple tour), Alexandra Harris (I’m Dying Up Here), Jessica Meraz (Major Crimes), Birdie Silverstein (With Love), and Jude Barnett (Reservation Dogs).
A blend of horror satire and slasher thrills, Horrified could end up being a sharp, blood-drenched love letter to the genre, anchored by a powerhouse cast and fresh creative energy.