Horrified: Julie Benz, Busy Philipps, Ron Perlman & Jim Rash Join New Horror-Comedy

A new horror-comedy is slashing its way to the big screen. Horrified is an upcoming feature film starring Julie Benz, Busy Philipps, Ron Perlman, and Jim Rash, with production scheduled to begin this summer.

What Is Horrified About?

The film follows a down-on-her-luck scream queen (Julie Benz) who returns to the horror convention circuit for quick cash. But what starts as a nostalgic return to her cult fandom takes a sinister turn when a pig-masked killer emerges.

The killer uses her legacy from her old horror franchise against her, targeting friends and fans alike. To survive, she must confront her past demons in a blood-soaked showdown that blurs the line between horror satire and slasher spectacle.

The Cast

• Julie Benz (Dexter) leads as the washed-up scream queen forced back into battle.
• Busy Philipps (Mean Girls) adds comedic sharpness to the ensemble.
• Ron Perlman (Hellboy) brings his signature gravitas.
• Jim Rash (The Way Way Back) joins the cast with his unique blend of wit and eccentricity.

Together, they form a cast that balances horror pedigree with comedic energy.

Behind the Scenes of Horrified

The film marks the feature debut of writer-director Michael Zara, known for his work on Major Crimes, Letters to Satan Claus (SyFy), and the upcoming Max series Crime Farm.

• Producers: Randy Wayne & Talia Bella (Rebellium Films), Michael Zara (Ghost Bunni), Art of Elysium, EB Studios, Daniel Hall.
• Executive Producers: Julie Benz, Busy Philipps, Ron Perlman, Tom Biolchini.
• Cinematographer: Adam Biddle (Crank).

According to Zara, the idea for Horrified came more than a decade ago:

“The idea came to me over twelve years ago while I was attending a Midwest horror convention, so finally seeing it become a reality with a killer cast and producing team is truly thrilling.”

Who Is Behind the Casting of Horrified?

The casting for Horrified is being led by Helen Geier and Kendra Shay Clark, two highly respected casting directors with strong backgrounds in both television and film.

• Helen Geier is known for her work on acclaimed projects such as Godless (2017), Rock of Ages (2012), and the cult-favorite comedy Hot Tub Time Machine (2010). With experience across genres, Geier has a proven track record of assembling versatile ensembles that elevate storytelling.
• Kendra Shay Clark has credits on award-winning and fan-favorite series including Mad Men (2007), The Romanoffs (2018), and Aquarius (2015). Her eye for authentic, grounded performances makes her a standout in the casting world.

Together, Geier and Clark bring a mix of prestige TV expertise and genre-savvy film experience to Horrified, ensuring that the project features a cast capable of delivering both the comedic timing and the chilling tension required for a horror-comedy.

Why Horror Fans Should Be Excited

• Meta slasher fun: A scream queen forced to face her fictional past made real.
• Convention culture satire: Horror fandom turned deadly.
• Star-studded ensemble: Benz, Philipps, Perlman, and Rash bring both horror legacy and comedy chops.
• Fresh vision: Michael Zara’s long-gestating passion project promises both laughs and gore.

This is the kind of horror-comedy that pays homage to fans while delivering blood-soaked thrills.

Casting Opportunities

Horrified is set to film this summer, and casting is being overseen by Helen Geier and Kendra Shay Clark. Roles are likely to include horror fans, convention attendees, supporting characters, and of course, victims of the masked killer.

Want to Audition for Horrified?

For those hoping to land a role in Horrified, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as casting calls and audition opportunities become available.