Convention - SDCC 2026: Victorian Psycho Continues Its Rise from Cannes to Comic-Con as Zachary Wigon Joins Horror's Biggest Creative Voices

By Mulder, 13 july 2026

One of the most intriguing horror films of 2026 will make its presence felt at San Diego Comic-Con when director Zachary Wigon takes part in the tenth anniversary edition of the Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror panel on Friday, July 24, from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in Room 6A. While the film itself will not receive a standalone panel, its inclusion in one of Comic-Con's longest-running horror discussions highlights the growing anticipation surrounding Victorian Psycho, the Gothic thriller that premiered earlier this year in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival before its theatrical release scheduled for September 25 in the United States through Bleecker Street. The anniversary panel promises to celebrate the vitality of contemporary horror by bringing together filmmakers, actors and genre specialists to discuss both independent and studio productions while unveiling exclusive footage from upcoming titles and acclaimed festival discoveries. Alongside Zachary Wigon, the discussion will feature Deborah Ann Woll, promoting Shudder's upcoming film The Cycle, Dan Stevens, who stars in AMC's The Terror: Devil in Silver, filmmaker Dave Boyle, and will be moderated by Michael Lerman, the co-founder and director of film programming for the Overlook Film Festival. According to the official Comic-Con programming, attendees can expect exclusive previews, discussions on the evolution of modern horror and a look ahead at some of the genre's most anticipated releases.

For Zachary Wigon, the Comic-Con appearance arrives at an especially significant moment. Although already recognized for his acclaimed psychological thriller Sanctuary, the filmmaker has elevated his profile considerably with Victorian Psycho, an adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Virginia Feito, who also wrote the screenplay. Rather than embracing traditional haunted-house conventions, the story explores psychological horror through the unsettling arrival of eccentric governess Winifred Notty, portrayed by Maika Monroe, at the isolated Gothic estate known as Ensor House in 1858. Officially hired to educate the family's children in etiquette and history, Winifred gradually reveals disturbing psychopathic tendencies as members of the household begin disappearing under mysterious circumstances. The premise deliberately plays with Victorian literary traditions while introducing an increasingly unsettling sense of dread that critics at Cannes praised for its mixture of black comedy, psychological tension and carefully orchestrated violence. The film currently stars Maika Monroe, Thomasin McKenzie, Ruth Wilson, Jason Isaacs and Evie Templeton, with cinematography by Nico Aguilar, editing by Dustin Chow and Lance Edmands, and a score composed by Ariel Marx. It was produced by Dan Kagan, Sebastien Raybaud and Zachary Wigon for Traffic and Anton, with the latter fully financing the production.

The production itself experienced several notable developments before reaching audiences. In late 2024, Margaret Qualley was initially announced as the lead, while A24 acquired U.S. distribution rights during the project's early stages. However, the production evolved considerably over the following months. By spring 2025, Margaret Qualley had exited the film, with Maika Monroe stepping into the leading role, while Jason Isaacs joined the cast. Distribution also shifted, with Bleecker Street ultimately securing U.S. rights as principal photography commenced in Ireland on August 18, 2025. The completed feature debuted on May 21, 2026, during the Cannes Film Festival, where it attracted attention for its distinctive blend of Gothic aesthetics, psychological horror and satirical social commentary before securing its September theatrical release.

The inclusion of Victorian Psycho within the Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror anniversary discussion also illustrates how Comic-Con increasingly serves as a platform not only for blockbuster franchises but also for prestige horror cinema. Over the past decade, the panel has become a showcase for emerging filmmakers whose work often transitions from major festivals to wider theatrical audiences. This year's selection reflects that evolution, bringing together festival discoveries alongside major studio productions and streaming originals. The participation of Dan Stevens, fresh from promoting The Terror: Devil in Silver, and Deborah Ann Woll, introducing The Cycle, reinforces the broad spectrum of contemporary horror represented during the event, ranging from psychological thrillers and Gothic dramas to supernatural television and independent genre filmmaking.

For horror enthusiasts attending San Diego Comic-Con 2026, the panel is likely to provide one of the convention's richest conversations about the current creative landscape of the genre. Beyond exclusive footage, audiences can expect insights into how filmmakers are redefining horror storytelling through literary adaptations, historical settings and character-driven suspense rather than relying solely on conventional scares. Victorian Psycho fits perfectly within that movement, combining Victorian social satire with escalating psychological instability, while Zachary Wigon continues to demonstrate his interest in intimate stories where manipulation, obsession and power dynamics gradually descend into terror. With its Cannes pedigree, distinguished cast and growing festival reputation, the film enters Comic-Con carrying considerable momentum ahead of its autumn theatrical release, making the anniversary edition of Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror one of the convention's most compelling stops for genre fans.

Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror – 10th Anniversary Panel
Where: Room 6A, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California, USA.
When: Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. (PDT).
What : The annual horror panel celebrates its tenth anniversary with Michael Lerman moderating a discussion featuring Deborah Ann Woll, Dan Stevens, Zachary Wigon, Dave Boyle and additional guests. The session will explore the current state of horror cinema across both independent and studio productions while presenting exclusive footage from upcoming releases and acclaimed festival films.

Synopsis : 
In 1858, an eccentric young governess named Winifred Notty arrives at the Gothic mansion “Ensor House.” Winifred is tasked with teaching the children proper table manners and introducing them to their family history, all while hiding her psychopathic tendencies...

Victorian Psycho
Directed by Zachary Wigon
Written by Virginia Feito
Based on Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
Produced by Dan Kagan, Sebastien Raybaud, Zachary Wigon
Starring  Maika Monroe, Thomasin McKenzie, Ruth Wilson, Jason Isaacs
Cinematography : Nico Aguilar
Edited by Dustin Chow, Lance Edmands
Music by Ariel Marx
Production companies : Anton, Traffic.
Distributed by Bleecker Street Media (United States)
Release date : 21 May 2026 (Cannes), September 25, 2026 (United States)
Running time : 90 minutes

(Source : press release)