As Halloween draws near, horror fans are in for a treat—or perhaps a few tricks—thanks to a flurry of activity in the genre. Two major developments have sent ripples through the film world this October: the announcement of exciting new cast members for A24’s upcoming thriller October, and the streaming debut of the latest installment in a beloved slasher franchise. Both stories highlight the enduring appeal of horror, nostalgia, and the thrill of a good scare as the nights grow longer.
On October 17, 2025, Bloody Disgusting reported that Jeremy Saulnier’s highly anticipated film October has added three new names to its already impressive cast: Imogen Poots, James Badge Dale, and Matty Matheson. Saulnier, known for his taut, atmospheric work in Green Room and Rebel Ridge, is both writing and directing the project, bringing his signature style to a story described as a “fugitive thriller set during Halloween.” The film is being produced and financed by A24, the indie powerhouse behind some of the most memorable horror films of the past decade.
Details about the plot and characters remain tightly under wraps, a move that only adds to the intrigue. However, the casting of Imogen Poots suggests a reunion with Saulnier, as the two previously worked together on Green Room. Poots, whose credits include Hedda and 28 Weeks Later, is joined by James Badge Dale (The Empty Man) and Matty Matheson, the chef-turned-actor best known for his role in FX’s The Bear. These additions round out a cast that already features Cory Michael Smith (Saturday Night), Chase Sui Wonders (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me), Young Mazino (The Last of Us), and Stephen Root ("Barry").
The production is a collaborative effort, with Rich Peete, Eli Bush, Jeremy Saulnier, and Skei Saulnier producing, and an impressive team of executive producers including Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Traci Carlson, Elliott Coley, and Macon Blair. While fans are eager for more details, the secrecy is par for the course with A24, a studio known for cultivating anticipation and delivering surprises. As the Halloween season approaches, the buzz around October is only growing louder, with horror aficionados speculating about what Saulnier has in store.
Meanwhile, another major horror event has just landed on the small screen. On October 16, 2025, ComicBook.com announced that Netflix had added the latest chapter in the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise to its streaming lineup. Released in theaters on July 18, 2025, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s I Know What You Did Last Summer is the fourth installment in the long-running series and serves as a “requel”—a reboot-sequel hybrid—set nearly three decades after the 1997 original film and its 1998 sequel.
The new movie, which hit Netflix just three months after its theatrical debut thanks to a first-look deal between the streaming giant and Sony Pictures, follows a familiar yet updated formula. A group of friends, haunted by a deadly secret after covering up a fatal car crash, are stalked by a mysterious hook-wielding killer. This setup mirrors the original’s plot, drawing on the franchise’s legacy while aiming to deliver fresh chills for a new generation.
According to ComicBook.com, the latest installment leans heavily into nostalgia, bringing back the campy spirit and suspenseful chase sequences that made the 1997 film a classic. The body count is higher, the kills more brutal, and the “whodunit” element is sharper than ever. Fans of the franchise will also recognize the return of Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt, reprising their iconic roles as Ray Bronson and Julie James. Their inclusion is a clear nod to long-time viewers, further cementing the film’s status as a bridge between past and present.
Despite these efforts, critical reception has been mixed. The movie currently holds a 36% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes—11 points lower than the original film. Reviewers have cited a predictable and uninspired plot, generic dialogue, and some confusing character decisions as major drawbacks. Some have argued that the reliance on nostalgia comes at the expense of innovation, with the return of Prinze Jr. and Hewitt feeling “tacked-on” rather than integral to the story. As ComicBook.com put it, “At its core, the movie is just a reheated version of the original that, although fun, adds little to the franchise.”
Still, for many viewers, the appeal lies precisely in that familiarity. The film’s “fun slasher” vibe and embrace of camp have drawn in fans eager for a dose of throwback horror. And for those looking to revisit the entire saga, there are more options than ever. The 1997 original is currently available to stream on Paramount+, while its sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, can be found on both Netflix and Tubi. The third installment, I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, is a bit trickier to track down but is available on The Roku Channel and via video on demand.
This year has been a banner one for horror on both the big and small screens. Alongside the new I Know What You Did Last Summer, audiences have flocked to Osgood Perkins’ adaptation of Stephen King’s The Monkey, Danny Boyle’s highly anticipated 28 Days Later, and Zach Cregger’s Weapons. The rapid transition of films from theaters to streaming services is a sign of the times, with studios eager to capitalize on Halloween’s popularity and the insatiable appetite of horror fans.
As the genre continues to evolve, two things remain constant: the thrill of a well-timed scare and the communal joy of sharing it. Whether it’s the promise of a new fugitive thriller from a celebrated director or the comfort of a familiar slasher saga, horror’s enduring power lies in its ability to tap into our deepest fears—and our fondest memories. This Halloween, audiences have plenty of reasons to keep the lights on and the popcorn ready.