Convention - SDCC 2025 : Neon’s Next Wave of Horror panel will unveil a bold new chapter in genre storytelling

By Mulder, 09 july 2025

When Comic-Con International 2025 opens its gates this July, all eyes in the horror world will be locked on one panel: Neon’s Next Wave of Horror, scheduled for Friday, July 25th at 8:00 PM. With a reputation for redefining the indie horror landscape and riding high off the global success of Longlegs, which crossed the coveted $100 million mark, Neon is now preparing to unleash its next terrifying evolution. This upcoming panel promises to be one of SDCC’s most unmissable events, uniting an extraordinary lineup of talent, including genre stylist Osgood Perkins, Emmy-winning actor Tatiana Maslany, writer-director Michael Shanks, dynamic duo Dave Franco and Alison Brie, and YouTube-phenom-turned-filmmaker Chris Stuckmann. For those craving originality, emotional depth, and a full spectrum of scares, this panel could very well be the future of horror in one explosive sitting.

Neon, already known for its daring curation and unconventional storytelling, has proven that horror can be intelligent, confrontational, and wildly profitable. Following the monumental impact of Longlegs, the studio isn’t just coasting on success—it’s doubling down with three radically different but thematically potent new projects: Together, Shelby Oaks, and Keeper. These films not only highlight the depth of Neon’s commitment to horror as an artform but also showcase how the studio is fostering bold creative voices, from established auteurs to fresh blood making their directorial debut. The “Next Wave of Horror” is not just a marketing label—it’s a mission statement, and one that aligns perfectly with Comic-Con’s culture of spotlighting transformative storytelling.

The upcoming film Together is already a festival favorite, having left critics stunned at Sundance and SXSW, where it drew visceral, polarized reactions and earned a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Michael Shanks, the film tells the disturbing, intimate story of a couple attempting to rekindle their relationship by relocating to the countryside—only to find their bodies and minds warping under the influence of an otherworldly force. What sets Together apart is not just its surreal body horror, but the fearless, gut-wrenching performances from Dave Franco and Alison Brie, who trade in their usual comedic charm for something far darker and emotionally raw. During the SDCC panel, both actors are expected to delve into the psychological toll of portraying such physical and emotional deterioration, while Michael Shanks will unpack his vision of love as both salvation and destruction. The film opens nationwide on July 30th, making the panel a perfect launchpad for its theatrical debut.

Another major highlight of the panel will be the SDCC debut of Chris Stuckmann, a name familiar to millions of film fans through his incisive YouTube reviews. Now stepping confidently behind the camera, Stuckmann is bringing his long-gestating directorial debut Shelby Oaks to theaters on October 3rd. Based on his own co-written script, the film centers on a woman’s desperate search for her missing sister, and the terrifying realization that the imaginary demon from their childhood may not have been so imaginary after all. The found-footage format is getting a bold reinvention here, guided by the sincerity and analytical mind that Chris Stuckmann has become known for. What makes Shelby Oaks particularly special is its crowd-funded origin story—a rare case of internet fandom transforming into a theatrical release, powered by community and passion. At SDCC, Stuckmann will offer fans insight into the challenges and triumphs of turning his horror obsession into a directorial reality, and why Shelby Oaks is already being whispered about as one of the most promising horror debuts in years.

Rounding out the trifecta of terror is Keeper, a new feature from genre master Osgood Perkins, continuing his fruitful collaboration with Neon after the haunting success of Longlegs and The Blackcoat’s Daughter. This time, he joins forces with Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland to craft what’s being described as a chillingly intimate descent into psychological horror. While plot details are under wraps, Keeper is said to ooze with Osgood Perkins’ signature style: dread-soaked visuals, emotionally broken characters, and a sense of menace that never raises its voice. Fans at the panel will be treated to exclusive sneak footage, and Tatiana Maslany is expected to offer her perspective on portraying a woman unraveling at the intersection of grief and the supernatural. Adding to the fanfare, Osgood Perkins will also appear at the Unbox Industries booth earlier in the day to autograph an exclusive collector figurine—The Bloody Variant of The Monkey, a limited edition tied to Neon’s previous hit. Only available for pickup during SDCC and purchasable via Neon’s official shop, this rare collectible is expected to become one of the most sought-after horror items of the convention.

In bringing together these creative powerhouses under one roof, Neon isn’t just showing off its next slate—it’s offering a manifesto for the future of horror cinema. Where studios often chase trends, Neon seems intent on creating them. The Next Wave of Horror panel is shaping up to be not only a moment for fans to see footage first and hear behind-the-scenes stories, but also a deeper look at how horror continues to evolve as a vessel for emotional truth, artistic risk, and societal reflection. It’s fitting that this convergence of artistry, ambition, and pure terror is taking place at SDCC, a convention built on celebrating voices that break the mold.

So for horror lovers planning their Comic-Con schedules, consider this a must-attend. Whether you’re drawn to the grotesque romance of Together, the chilling mystery of Shelby Oaks, or the shadow-drenched melancholy of Keeper, Neon’s panel will offer a front-row seat to horror history in the making. This is more than just a promotional event—it’s the beating, bloody heart of SDCC 2025.

Osgood Perkins autographing NEON’s THE MONKEY collector figurine 
Where : Unbox Industries booth
When :  Friday, July 25th. between 12:00pm and 1:30pm PT on

(Source  : press release)