Prepare to scream! Eli Roth, the master of horror, is unleashing his latest nightmare: "Ice Cream Man." Roth himself calls it his "most terrifying and insane film to date." And now, we've got our first chilling glimpse and a peek at the cast that will bring this frozen terror to life.
The film stars Ari Millen ("Orphan Black") as the ice cream man himself, promising a performance that will send shivers down your spine. He's joined by a stellar cast including Benjamin Byron Davis ("Guardians of the Galaxy 3"), Karen Cliche ("Thanksgiving"), Dylan Hawco ("Heartland"), Sarah Abbott ("Black Mirror," "The Body"), Shiloh O’Reilly ("Thanksgiving"), Kiori Mirza Waldman, Charlie Zeltzer ("The Handmaid’s Tale"), and Charlie Storey ("Thanksgiving").
Adding to the fright factor, Eli Roth himself will make an appearance, reminding us of his work on the "Cabin Fever" and "Hostel" franchises, as well as the recent "Thanksgiving." And get this: Snoop Dogg, with whom Roth is collaborating on another horror project, "Don’t Go in That House, Bitch!," will be contributing to the film's music.
Roth expressed his excitement, stating, "I couldn’t be more excited about the incredible cast we’ve assembled for Ice Cream Man." He added, "It’s surreal to see the idea I’ve had for over twenty years come to life — and with this insanely talented cast, we get to deliver a film to horror fans that’s as terrifying as I’ve always imagined."
But what's the story? "Ice Cream Man" plunges an idyllic summer town into chaos when a seemingly innocent ice cream vendor starts serving up treats with a deadly twist. Principal photography wrapped in September, and the film is slated for a wide theatrical release in 2026.
Here's where it gets interesting: WME Independent is handling international rights and selling the film at AFM, while The Horror Section, founded by Roth, manages domestic rights. The film's market debut in Cannes was a massive success, with nearly the entire world rights already sold! StudioCanal’s Sixth Dimension has acquired distribution rights across several major territories, including the U.K., Germany, France, and Australia.
"Ice Cream Man" is a product of Roth's creative vision, written and produced by him alongside Noah Belson. Christopher Woodrow and Raj Singh are also producers, along with Kate Harrison from Cream Productions. Executive producers include Kevin Frakes, Connor DiGregorio, Eli Massillon, Lorenzo Antonucci, Jon Schnaars, and Holly Adams. This film marks Roth's first under The Horror Section’s banner.
To amplify the scares, the film will feature a score from Emmy-winning composer Brandon Roberts, along with prosthetic makeup effects by Steve Newburn ("Thanksgiving") and Oscar winner Adrien Morot ("Thanksgiving," "The Whale").
A thought to ponder: Given Roth's track record, do you think "Ice Cream Man" will push the boundaries of horror? Will it be too extreme, or just the right amount of terrifying? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
