Horror cinema has captivated audiences since the 1920s, beginning with groundbreaking works like “The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari” and “Nosferatu,” that shaped the essence of postwar German Expressionism. In contemporary times, the genre continues to evolve, driven by diverse filmmakers who present their unique narratives to broader audiences. The inaugural Horror Impact Report from Variety spotlights key creatives, producers, executives, and festival leaders who are expanding the boundaries of horror films and content. Variety will also lead the Hollywood and Horror event on October 15, featuring notable speakers such as Jason Blum and Sam Zimmerman, senior VP of programming at Shudder.
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Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter
Richard Brener
President, Chief Content Officer
Dave Neustadter
Executive VP, Production & Head of Creative Development
New Line Cinema
With three decades at New Line, Brener oversees the studio’s operations while Neustadter manages their horror blockbusters, including all nine entries in “The Conjuring” series. The latest installment, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” shattered records as it opened to $194 million globally in early September, surpassing the 2017 hit “It,” also under Neustadter’s guidance. Recent successes include “Weapons” and “Companion,” alongside a revival of the “Final Destination” series. Upcoming titles feature the much-anticipated “Mortal Kombat II,” Lee Cronin’s reinterpretation of “The Mummy,” and “The Revenge of La Llorona.” -
Zach Cregger
Filmmaker
Cregger directed one of the year’s standout horror films and a summer sensation: “Weapons,” which has grossed over $250 million worldwide. He made his horror debut with 2022’s “Barbarian,” transitioning from his comedy roots as a co-creator and star of the sketch show “The Whitest Kids U Know.” His next endeavor will be directing the upcoming adaptation of “Resident Evil” for Sony from a script he co-wrote with Shay Hatten. -
Ryan Coogler
Image Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Filmmaker
Coogler’s horror masterpiece “Sinners” intricately portrays the Jim Crow South and melds various cultural legacies into a gripping vampire narrative. It encompasses all key elements of horror, featuring visceral gore, classic vampire mythology, and a thrilling performance by Michael B. Jordan as he combats white supremacists. -
Nia DaCosta
Image Credit: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images Filmmaker
DaCosta’s films spotlight critical issues faced by marginalized communities. With “Candyman” in 2021, she boldly entered the horror genre. As a Black female director, she navigated a landscape where such representation is scarce, transitioning from her success with “Candyman” to directing “The Marvels” and her adaptation of “Hedda Gabler.” Fans eagerly anticipate her contribution to Sony’s upcoming zombie film “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” a sequel to “28 Years Later.” -
Mitch Davis
Artistic Director & Director of International Programming, Fantasia Film Festival
With decades of experience, Davis is the longest-tenured genre festival programmer in North America, recognized for his significant contributions to the Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal since 1997. The festival features a mix of fiction, animation, shorts, and documentaries, alongside competitive sections. He’s also a director and producer who has contributed articles about genre cinema to various publications. -
Lisa Dreyer
Image Credit: Trevor Garza Director, Fantastic Fest
As the head of America’s largest and most influential genre festival, Dreyer has significantly shaped the horror landscape. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Fantastic Fest champions independent filmmakers and previously showcased hits like “V/H/S/ Beyond“ and “Saw X.” After starting as a volunteer in 2018, Dreyer became director in 2022, initiating competitive pitches for projects that can receive funding and global distribution through partnership with Chroma Pictures. -
Xero Gravity
Image Credit: Andrew Fennell Journalist
A dedicated genre writer, Gravity contributes to numerous platforms such as Fangoria, BET, and Dread Central, focusing on refining a unique social media presence to elevate horror narratives. From conducting interviews to leading dynamic panels, Gravity infuses enthusiasm, expertise, and fandom into all discussions regarding the genre. -
Heidi Honeycutt
Director of Programming, Etheria Film Festival
Co-founder of the Etheria Film Festival, Honeycutt has played a pivotal role in creating a platform for short genre films by women since 2014. The Kansas City-based festival has seen a range of emerging creators like Chloe Okuno and Axelle Carolyn, and has collaborated with Shudder to present selected films, ensuring diverse storytelling takes the stage. -
Stephen King
Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Author
King has consistently shaped horror literature for over five decades, with numerous works transformed into films, television, and even Broadway productions. In 2025, his works have surged in popularity with adaptations including “The Monkey,” “The Long Walk,” and “The Running Man,” as well as the “It” spinoff “Welcome to Derry” hitting screens. -
Justin LaLiberty
Producer, Vinegar Syndrome
Director of Operations, OCN Distribution
Since 2019, LaLiberty has contributed to Vinegar Syndrome, a distribution company known for reviving genre, cult, and horror films. He also runs operations at OCN Distribution. The efforts from Vinegar Syndrome have revitalized numerous nearly-forgotten gems of giallo, slasher, and exploitation cinema, with projects like “Bloodstained Italy.” -
Roy Lee
Image Credit: FilmMagic Producer
Lee has firmly established himself in the genre, producing iconic films like “The Ring,” “The Grudge,” and “The Woman in Black,” alongside “Barbarian.” Through his company Spooky Pictures, Lee also produced the 2024 release “Late Night With the Devil.” In 2025, he celebrated the success of “Companion” and the sleeper hit “Weapons.” Additionally, his adaptation of King’s “The Long Walk” performed well at the box office, with several upcoming projects including a remake of the classic horror film “Magic” and a long-gestating adaptation of “Bioshock.” -
Adam Lewinson
Image Credit: Tubi Chief Content Officer, Tubi
Tubi has rapidly expanded by recognizing the power of niche programming, offering an extensive library of genre films and series that has resonated deeply with horror enthusiasts. The platform has also begun producing original horror content since 2022, including titles like “Great White Waters” and “Please Don’t Feed the Children.” In June, Tubi celebrated having over 100 million monthly active users, emphasizing the importance of personalized viewer experience. -
Mary Beth McAndrews
Image Credit: Mary Beth Editor-in-Chief, Dread Central
A filmmaker, critic, and author, McAndrews has propelled Dread Central into a key resource for horror fans. She champions underrepresented voices within the genre and horror journalism while co-hosting the “Scarred for Life” podcast. She also leads fundraisers through “Horror Is Political” merchandise to support organizations like the Trevor Project. -
Andy and Barbara Muschietti
Filmmakers and Producers
The sibling duo behind the widely successful “It” franchise are set to delve deeper into Stephen King’s universe with “It: Welcome to Derry” for HBO Max. Bill Skarsgård returns as the haunting clown Pennywise. In 2021, they launched Double Dream, which currently has projects like “Attack on Titan” in the works. -
Phil Nobile Jr.
Image Credit: Credit: Nanor Zinzalian Editor-in-Chief, Fangoria
Since taking the helm in 2018, Nobile has transformed Fangoria into a respected quarterly publication featuring contributions from notable filmmakers such as Paul Thomas Anderson and Jordan Peele. He has advocated for a more progressive editorial stance, supporting initiatives like Fango’s annual Pride campaign that benefits local LGBTQ+ organizations. Furthermore, he is the executive producer of acclaimed documentaries including “Horror Noire” and “Queer for Fear.” -
Tom Owen
VP, Network Strategy, Cineverse
As a co-founder of Bloody Disgusting, which became part of the Cinedigm family in 2021, Owen now oversees a burgeoning horror media network. His ventures encompass podcasts, social media, and events, with the fast-growing Screambox streaming service known for hits like “Terrifier 2.” Under his leadership, the platform aims to expand its reach and content offerings. -
Osgood Perkins
Filmmaker and Producer
Perkins is best known for his atmospheric works like “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” and “I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House,” but films like “Longlegs” and “The Monkey” have solidified his standing as a distinct voice in horror. His works expertly blend tension with a touch of humor, offering intriguing character studies. His forthcoming feature, “The Keeper,” is set for release in November. -
Danny and Michael Philippou
Filmmakers
The Australian twins captured the attention of genre enthusiasts with their transition from YouTube to feature filmmaking, directing the visually stunning horror film “Talk to Me,” which grossed $143 million globally. Following this success, they return with a new darker narrative called “Bring Her Back.” They are also working on a sequel to “Talk to Me” under the A24 banner. -
Peter Phok
Image Credit: Getty Images for A24 Producer
Phok’s collaboration with filmmaker Ti West has produced several cult classics, including the “X” trilogy—“Pearl,” “Maxxine,” and “X”—along with “The House of the Devil” and “The Innkeepers.” Upcoming projects include Sonja O’Hara’s anticipated “Cottagecore,” presented to buyers at the Tribeca Creators Market, as well as Jenny Leigh Reed’s “Feed.” -
Ryan Turek
Image Credit: Molly Pan Producer, VP, Development, Blumhouse
Turek, formerly a journalist and co-founder of the influential DreadCentral.com, has transitioned to development with credits including “M3GAN,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and “Imaginary.” He is currently executive producing “Insidious 6,” following the enormous success of “Insidious: The Red Door,” which grossed nearly $190 million worldwide. This installment is set for an August 2026 release by Sony Pictures. -
Eli Roth
Image Credit: Val Flores Filmmaker, Producer
Roth is a formidable name in horror. In 2025, he launched the Horror Section in collaboration with Media Capital Technologies, enabling fans to support his upcoming films financially. The section’s first title was “Jimmy and Stiggs,” released in August across 800 screens, with “Ice Cream Man” set to follow. Roth also served as executive producer for the successful docuseries “Let the Devil In.” -
James Wan
CEO, Founder, Atomic Monster
The genre-defining director behind the “Saw,” “Insidious,” and “Conjuring” franchises, Wan has come full circle with the recent release of “The Conjuring: Last Rights.” Under Atomic Monster, he also produced “The Monkey” and is set to launch five more projects in 2026. His upcoming Netflix series, “True Haunting,” is scheduled for release on October 7. -
Samara Weaving
Image Credit: Getty Images Actress
Weaving’s performances in films like “The Babysitter” and the much-acclaimed “Ready or Not” have earned her a spot among contemporary scream queens. Her repertoire is set to expand with edgy projects, including “Over Your Dead Body” and “Caroline Caroline.” -
Sam Zimmerman
Senior VP of Programming and Acquisitions, Shudder
As Shudder celebrates a decade of offering horror content, Zimmerman has played a crucial role in curating notable films and connecting with filmmakers such as Issa López and Coralie Fargeat. His work has led to the successful releases of titles like “The Ugly Stepsister” and “Clown in a Cornfield.”
