Clown in Cornfield Horror Comedy Premieres Nationwide May 9

Clown in a Cornfield, directed by Eli Craig and adapted from Adam Cesare's novel, is a modern slasher film that blends humor, gore, and social commentary, set in a small Midwestern town grappling with economic hardship and generational conflict. The film centers on a sinister clown mascot, Friendo, who terrorizes the town of Kettle Springs following the destruction of its corn syrup factory, symbolizing broader societal tensions. Despite the challenges of producing horror-comedies in Hollywood, Craig leveraged the current cultural moment of clown-centric horror, alongside independent financing, to bring the project to fruition. The movie evokes 1980s slasher vibes while incorporating the perspectives of Gen Z characters, highlighting their push for progress against resistant older generations. Clown in a Cornfield premiered at SXSW 2025 to positive reviews and is positioned to become a cult classic akin to Craig's earlier hit, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil. The film's cast and director have discussed the movie's themes and production in various interviews, emphasizing its blend of modern horror with genre nostalgia and social relevance.