Different Day Pictures proudly announced its upcoming independent horror-comedy, Stoned Inn. Co-directed by Key Tawn Toothman and Naythan Smith, the regional production turns classic haunted-house tropes on their head. Furthermore, the homegrown film captures an authentic do-it-yourself spirit while blending sharp comedic timing with practical indie horror grit.
Today, we have learned that genre icon Danny Trejo has joined the cast as a cat. Yes, you read that right. Danny Trejo lends his unmistakable voice to a unique feline character named Meowchette. The cat’s name is inspired by Trejo’s iconic film character, Machete.
Star-Studded Independent Cast
The ensemble cast also features lead performances from rising talent Maximum James alongside Jessa Jupiter Flux. Additionally, beloved genre icon Martial arts fans can also look forward to a special cameo appearance from Mortal Kombat star Chris Casamassa.
High-Stakes Haunted House Contest
The story follows an exhausted stoner who enters a bizarre contest for cash. To secure the prize, he must survive seven consecutive nights inside a newly renovated haunted house. However, his simple plan to make quick money rapidly dissolves into absolute chaos. As each night passes, the house grows vastly more dangerous, unpredictable, and bizarre than expected.
Kansas Filmmaking Duo
This project marks Wichita filmmaker Key Tawn Toothman’s feature directorial debut. His previous credits include the festive creature comedy A Very Flattened Christmas and the documentary My Day with Shelley. Toothman teamed up with fellow Kansas filmmaker Naythan Smith to craft the movie’s chaotic tone and wild comedic energy. Production updates, festival screening dates, and the official trailer launch will arrive in the coming weeks.
Trejo’s Legacy
Danny Trejo is one of cinema’s most iconic tough guys, with a vast filmography across action, horror, and comedy. His unexpected break in 1985’s Runaway Train sparked a prolific career defined by striking features and charismatic presence. Trejo became a global pop-culture hero through his collaborations with Robert Rodriguez, most notably starring as Machete in Desperado, Spy Kids, and the Machete series. Beyond action hits, he remains a staple of genre cinema, appearing in cult favorites like From Dusk Till Dawn and The Devil’s Rejects.
Off screen, Trejo’s legacy is equally defined by his deep commitment to community service and advocacy. As a former inmate who turned his life around, he spends countless hours working as a drug rehabilitation counselor and youth mentor. He also supports animal rescue causes, funds food distribution drives across Los Angeles, and frequently visits prisons to inspire second chances. He also serves up tasty tacos at his restaurants. Through both his work and his life, Trejo remains a genuine champion on and off the screen.
