Eli Roth is set to unleash his latest horror film, "Ice Cream Man," which he describes as his "most terrifying and insane film to date." This long-awaited project has been brewing in Roth's mind for over two decades and marks his return to independent filmmaking.
Announced on May 8, 2025, Roth's "Ice Cream Man" tells the chilling tale of an idyllic summer town that descends into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet delights with horrifying results. The film is not a remake or sequel but an entirely original story, a fact Roth emphasizes to quell any confusion with the 1995 cult classic of the same name.
"I’ve had this idea for a long, long time, and studios were too afraid of my early drafts. Now’s the time to push the envelope farther than I ever have with what I think will be my most terrifying and insane film to date," Roth stated. He believes that films like "Ice Cream Man" are what he created his new label, The Horror Section, for—making unrated, boundary-pushing theatrical events that horror fans can scream about for years.
Launched in March 2025, The Horror Section is a collaboration between Roth and Media Capital Technologies (MCT). This partnership aims to produce a variety of horror media, focusing on building a robust library of intellectual property. MCT's principals, Christopher Woodrow and Raj Singh, expressed their excitement about working with Roth, stating, "Working with Eli is always a privilege, and this film feels fresh and exciting as it’s his first original project in the independent market in nearly a decade." They believe that "Ice Cream Man" will mark the start of the next great horror franchise with massive commercial potential.
Filming for "Ice Cream Man" is scheduled to commence this summer in Canada, with a wide theatrical release planned for the second quarter of 2026. WME Independent will represent the international rights to the film and introduce it to buyers at the upcoming Cannes market.
Roth's journey in horror filmmaking began with the release of "Cabin Fever" in 2022, which introduced a gruesome twist to the familiar "cabin in the woods" trope. He solidified his status as a master of extreme horror with the "Hostel" franchise, which began in 2005 and became instrumental in popularizing the "torture porn" subgenre. His films often explore graphic violence, psychological distress, and taboo subjects, resonating with audiences who crave intense cinematic experiences.
Following the success of "Thanksgiving," which expanded on his infamous fake trailer from Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez’s "Grindhouse," Roth has continued to push the boundaries of horror. With "Ice Cream Man," he aims to deliver an experience that is both fresh and terrifying, promising to elevate his already high standards for horror storytelling.
As anticipation builds for this new project, fans of horror are left wondering what new depths Roth will explore. His track record of creating unsettling cinematic experiences has set the bar high for "Ice Cream Man," and many are eager to see how he will deliver on his promise of a film that is both boundary-pushing and commercially viable.
In a statement regarding the film, Roth said, "Films like 'Ice Cream Man' are what we created The Horror Section for, to make unrated, boundary-pushing theatrical events the horror fans can all scream about for years. I’m very lucky to have such fantastic partners like MCT and, of course, all the investors in The Horror Section." This sentiment reflects his commitment to crafting unique and engaging horror narratives that resonate with audiences.
As Roth prepares to dive back into the world of horror with "Ice Cream Man," fans are left with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Will this film live up to the expectations set by his previous works? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Roth's return to independent horror is bound to make waves in the genre.
With the horror landscape constantly evolving, Roth's "Ice Cream Man" promises to be a fresh entry that challenges conventions and delivers a unique viewing experience. The film's premise, combined with Roth's proven track record, positions it as one of the most anticipated horror releases in the coming years.
As the summer filming approaches, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how Roth's vision for "Ice Cream Man" unfolds. Will it become a defining moment in his career? Will it set a new standard for horror films? The answers will soon be revealed as the horror community gears up for what promises to be a thrilling ride.
