SDCC 2025 Horror Interview Roundup: Behind-the-Screams Secrets

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 horror interviews include Whistle, The Long Walk, and Clown In A Cornfield. Learn all the behind-the-screams secrets.

San Diego Comic-Con is a whirlwind of pop culture, and this year, the Mama’s Geeky team are devilering exclusive insights into the most anticipated horror projects on the horizon.

Tessa Smith, Jamie Jirak, and Rachel Tolleson each sat down with the creative minds and talented stars behind several chilling ventures, offering a glimpse behind the screams and into the making of Whistle, The Long Walk, and Clown In A Cornfield.

Whistle Offers Surprising Heart Amongst Practical, Gory Effects

Tessa Smith kicked off the horror interviews with the dynamic duo of Dafne Keen and Sophie Nélisse, the stars of the upcoming horror film Whistle. Keen, known for her roles in Logan, Deadpool & Wolverine, His Dark Materials, and The Acolyte, and Nélisse, celebrated for her gripping performance in Yellowjackets, were eager to discuss the eerie premise of this upcoming horror.

The film centers around a group of friends who unearth an ancient Aztec whistle. Unbeknownst to them, blowing the whistle summons their demise. The narrative follows their desperate attempts to outrun their impending doom, all while unexpected romantic relationships blossom amidst the chaos.

Keen and Nélisse hinted at the film’s surprisingly high level of gore, exceeding their initial expectations upon reading the script. They emphasized that if visceral horror is your preference, Whistle certainly delivers.

Beyond the scares, they described it as a fun watch, the kind of movie best experienced with friends, complete with shared jump scares and the communal thrill of a horror flick. They fondly recalled the cast’s bonding experience, including a cozy movie night watching The Lost Boys, highlighting a genuine connection that they believe translates onto the screen, adding an unexpected layer of heartwarming moments amidst the terror.

Keen and Nélisse enthusiastically spoke about the advantages of working with practical effects, noting how it enhances believability and makes their performances as actors more immersive. While filming the intense finale presented physical challenges, they agreed that those strenuous moments often lead to the most memorable on-set experiences and the best stories.

Without giving away too much, both actresses hinted at the wild and exciting nature of the film’s climax, a scene they were both eager and slightly apprehensive to shoot due to its complexity.

The Long Walk Promises To Be A Faithful Adaptation

Jamie Jirak had the pleasure of interviewing Producer Roy Lee (known for his work on Barbarian and countless other horror hits) and Writer JT Mollner (the creative force behind Strange Darling) about their adaptation of Stephen King’s chilling novel, The Long Walk.

Lee and Mollner discussed the evolving landscape of Comic-Con and expressed their delight at the strong reception horror now receives at what was once a strictly comic-centric event. They noted the numerous adaptations of Stephen King’s work over the years and pondered why The Long Walk, in particular, had taken so long to reach the screen, despite previous attempts involving legendary filmmakers like Frank Darabont and potentially George Romero.

Mollner suggested that timing and luck played a significant role in this iteration, with Lee bringing him and director Francis Lawrence together at the opportune moment, coinciding with Lionsgate’s interest in the project. Lee emphasized the remarkably swift development of the film, with the entire process from acquiring the book rights to wrapping production taking under two years.

When the topic shifted to director Francis Lawrence, Jamie humorously questioned his apparent fascination with teenagers in peril. Mollner praised Lawrence as an exceptionally easy collaborator, noting their shared vision for the film and his openness to the writer’s input, especially since Lawrence doesn’t typically write his own movies. Lawrence expressed his commitment to a faithful thematic adaptation of King’s novel, with no intention of holding back on the darker aspects, aiming for a full-fledged, rated R, Stephen King experience.

Roy Lee, no stranger to Stephen King adaptations, addressed the crucial element of maintaining the authenticity of the author’s work. He emphasized the importance of capturing the essence of King’s stories and highlighted the practice of seeking King’s approval on their creative decisions throughout the process, ensuring a respectful and faithful adaptation.

The conversation then turned to the casting of Cooper Hoffman in a central role. Both Lee and Mollner lauded Hoffman’s talent, recognizing his potential after seeing him in Licorice Pizza. They felt he perfectly embodied the character, possessing a necessary innocence coupled with an inner steel. Mollner shared an anecdote illustrating Hoffman’s dedication to his craft, revealing that the young actor deliberately avoided meeting Mark Hamill during production to maintain a necessary distance for his character.

Clown In A Cornfield: Frendo Will Be Back for More

Rachel Tolleson caught up with the creative duo behind the slasher hit Clown In A Cornfield: Director Eli Craig and Novelist Adam Cesare. Returning to Comic-Con after the film’s initial success, they were thrilled by the continued enthusiasm for their terrifying creation, particularly the immersive cornfield maze activation at the convention, complete with their menacing clown Friendo. They reported overwhelming lines for the maze, with attendees enduring long waits for a truly frightening experience, a testament to the film’s impact.

Craig and Cesare reflected on the film’s journey since its premiere at SXSW, noting the consistently enthusiastic reactions from various audiences. Craig humorously mentioned his initial intention of blending horror with comedy, perhaps aiming for a tone similar to his previous work on Tucker & Dale vs Evil. However, he found that the comedic moments in Clown In A Cornfield, while present, hit harder than anticipated despite a greater focus on suspense, character development, and pure horror.

Cesare praised the film’s successful balance of terror and dark humor, where the brutal moments are often punctuated with a sense of twisted satisfaction, suggesting the victims deserve it – just a little bit.

Cesare, as the author of the original novel, shared his surreal experience of seeing his creation come to life, from writing about the fictional town of Kettle Springs to physically standing in a Comic-Con activation themed around it. He expressed immense gratitude for the adaptation and his positive working relationship with Craig, contrasting it with the well-known tensions that have sometimes arisen between authors and filmmakers. Craig reciprocated the praise, affirming his long-standing admiration for Cesare’s work and his belief that the film perfectly captured the book’s tone.

Excitingly, they dropped some major news: Clown In A Cornfield 2 is officially in the works! They teased the inherent appeal of slasher sequels and the creative challenge of finding new ways to twist the knife, so to speak, while keeping the story fresh and engaging for fans, even hinting at the occasional desire to surprise or even slightly upset expectations.

Cesare expressed his admiration for the way Friendo both kills and gets killed in the first film, a dynamic not always seen in the slasher genre. Craig hinted at delving into even more creative and gruesome kills in the sequel, referencing a humorous anecdote about George Romero’s approach to Dawn of the Dead, simply instructing Tom Savini to start thinking of ways to kill people.

Be sure to check out our full SDCC 2025 horror interview roundup for more and stay tuned to Mama’s Geeky for more exclusive interviews and coverage from San Diego Comic-Con and beyond!

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