One man’s trash becomes another horror fan’s ultimate survival nightmare in the upcoming indie horror-thriller Junkyard. Deadline broke the exciting casting news today, confirming that Jade Pettyjohn, George Lopez, and Joel McHale will headline the blood-soaked feature. Filmmaker Dan Riesser directs the film from a tense screenplay he co-wrote with Mike L. Kinshella. Notably, Riesser previously co-wrote and directed the Bigfoot dramedy Stomping Ground, and he also earned Emmy nominations directing Joel McHale on E!’s hit series “The Soup.” As a result, this creative reunion promises razor-sharp comedic instincts alongside visceral canine terror.
Trespassing Turns Into a Fight for Survival
The pulse-pounding narrative centers on Sam, a strong-willed young woman whom Jade Pettyjohn brings to life. Sam trespasses into a secluded, rust-covered scrap yard alongside her misfit friends in search of something precious she lost. But their late-night scavenger hunt quickly spirals into a desperate fight to stay alive. Instead of finding easy answers, the group confronts a pack of bloodthirsty, well-trained guard dogs prowling the labyrinth of wrecked metal. Worse yet, a mysterious junkyard owner commands these vicious beasts with lethal precision, turning every rusted chassis into a deadly trap.
Comedic Heavyweights Embrace Dark Genre Territory
Comedy legend George Lopez steps far outside his usual sitcom comfort zone to portray the enigmatic, menacing junkyard owner. This chilling role marks Lopez’s first full foray into genuine horror cinema, following his comedic turn as the President in The Purge parody Meet the Blacks. Meanwhile, Joel McHale dons a badge once again to play a corrupt local sheriff who arrives on the scene and turns a perilous situation into an absolute catastrophe. Interestingly, McHale recently played Sidney Prescott’s sheriff husband in Scream 7, alongside memorable genre appearances in “Yellowjackets“ and It’s a Wonderful Knife. Additionally, Jade Pettyjohn brings serious horror pedigree to the lead role after headlining the slasher #AMFAD: All My Friends Are Dead and appearing in “Monster” and “Grimm.”
Production Details and What Lies Ahead
Behind the camera, an experienced producing team prepares to bring this gritty nightmare to life. John Moss of Firebook Entertainment produces the thriller alongside A Small Fortune producer Jason Arsenault and Glorious producer Jason Scott Goldberg. Jaime Gallagher serves as co-producer while simultaneously overseeing the film’s dynamic casting process.
Cameras officially roll in Atlanta in spring, kicking off production on what shapes up to be a ferocious creature feature. Ultimately, horror enthusiasts should keep a close eye on Junkyard as this powerhouse ensemble prepares to unleash the hounds.
