Warning: The New Images from ‘Clown in a Cornfield’ May Trigger Coulrophobia

Get your popcorn ready because the folks over at RLJE Films and Shudder are gearing up to unleash Clown in a Cornfield. FRENDO, the clown star of the film, appeared at the Overlook Film Festival in the Big Easy this past weekend, and to celebrate his reign of terror, we’ve got some brand-new images and a killer poster for you to feast your eyes on.

(L – R) Co-Writer/Director Eli Craig, Novelist Adam Cesare, and Frendo at The Overlook Film Festival. Courtesy of RLJE Films and Shudder

A Gifted Director

Steering this chaotic ship is Eli Craig, a director who clearly knows his way around the horror-comedy genre. This is the guy who gave us the absolute cult classic Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, a movie that brilliantly flipped the slasher trope on its head. He also helmed the laugh-out-loud Little Evil and even dipped his toes into the zom-com world with the Zombieland TV series. So, yeah, Craig knows how to make you scream and snort with laughter in equal measure.

Clown in a Cornfield is based on Adam Cesare’s Bram Stoker Award-winning horror novel, so you know it’s got some serious horror cred but with a deliciously twisted comedic edge. The film, adapted for the screen by Carter Blanchard and Craig himself, throws us into the seemingly sleepy town of Kettle Springs, where Quinn (played by Katie Douglas of Ginny & Georgia) and Quinn’s dad (Aaron Abrams from Hannibal) have just moved, hoping for a fresh start and some peace. But boy, did they pick the wrong town for that.

Turns out, Kettle Springs is a town on the brink. The community has been fractured since the local Baypen Corn Syrup Factory went up in flames. Tensions are simmering, and things are generally not sunshine and rainbows. And just when you think things couldn’t get any worse, a truly sinister figure emerges from the seemingly innocent cornfields, ready to paint the town red, one bloody victim at a time. And this isn’t just any boogeyman; it’s FRENDO, a clown who looks like he crawled straight out of your worst nightmare. Seriously, this dude is creepy AF.

Carson MacCormac, Will Sasso, and the intense actor Kevin Durand (fresh off his monstrous turn in Abigail) round out the cast.

Get Ready!

So, mark your calendars and maybe sleep with the lights on because Clown in a Cornfield is set to slash its way into theaters on May 9, 2025. And for all you Shudder subscribers out there, don’t worry; a Shudder release will follow, so you’ll get your chance to witness the mayhem from the comfort of your own home (and supposed safety).

Just a heads up before you watch the trailer below: it may trigger a lifelong battle with Coulrophobia. Please don’t say we didn’t warn you.

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