Deborah Ann Woll is no stranger to genre fans—whether she's battling villains in the Marvel universe or rolling dice in a D&D campaign. This October, she's diving back into horror with The Cycle, a new Shudder thriller from director Jordan Downey (V/H/S/Beyond). Woll plays Meg, a forensic anthropologist who discovers that a body found in a missing persons case is her estranged father. It's a premise that promises both emotional weight and supernatural chills.
At San Diego Comic-Con, Woll and Downey sat down with Collider's Steven Weintraub to unpack the film's inspirations, its budget-conscious production, and what's next for both of them. The conversation revealed a deep love for classic TV and a commitment to practical effects that harkens back to an earlier era of filmmaking.
From Marvel to Horror: Woll's Genre Journey
Woll, who recently starred in Daredevil: Born Again and the video game adaptation God of War: Laufey, explained why she was eager to jump from superhero spectacle to the more intimate terror of The Cycle. "Horror has always been a genre that allows for raw, unfiltered emotion," she said. "It's about confronting fear, and that's a powerful thing to explore."
She also teased her return for Daredevil: Born Again Season 3, hinting at reunions with her co-stars. "It's always a joy to step back into that world," Woll shared. "The writers have crafted something that honors the fans and pushes the characters forward." While she kept details under wraps, her excitement was palpable.
Downey's Influences: X-Files Meets True Detective
Downey, who co-wrote the script with Kevin Stewart, cited The X-Files and True Detective as major touchstones. "We wanted that moody, investigative atmosphere," he explained. "The kind of show where every clue feels weighted, and the environment itself is a character." That blend of procedural mystery and supernatural dread is what sets The Cycle apart.
The director also reflected on his early career, including an internship at Wes Craven's production company—a formative experience that shaped his approach to horror. "Wes taught me that horror is about tension, not just gore," Downey noted. "You have to earn the scares."
Practical Effects on a Budget
Filming in Astoria, Oregon—the iconic location where The Goonies was shot—added to the film's coastal, gloomy aesthetic. But the limited budget and tight schedule posed challenges. "We had to be creative," Downey said. "Practical effects were our best friend. They ground the story in reality, even when things get otherworldly."
That commitment to practical effects is a hallmark of Downey's work, and it shines through in The Cycle. From eerie makeup to tangible set pieces, the film aims to immerse viewers in its world without relying on CGI shortcuts.
What's Next: Override and More
Downey also shared exciting news about his next project, Override, a sci-fi thriller starring Maria Bakalova and Frank Grillo. While he kept plot details close to the chest, he promised it would push boundaries in the genre. "It's a different beast from The Cycle," he said. "But it's still rooted in character and tension."
For fans of modern horror, The Cycle is shaping up to be a must-watch. And if you're in the mood for more grounded detective stories, this one fits the bill. The film begins streaming on Shudder on October 23.
Woll, meanwhile, is keeping busy with her thriller picks and her dream D&D campaign, which she jokingly turned The Cycle into. "If you're going to make a horror movie, you might as well get a campaign out of it," she laughed.
With The Cycle promising a blend of investigative intrigue and supernatural dread, and Daredevil: Born Again Season 3 on the horizon, Woll and Downey are proving that genre storytelling is alive and well. Mark your calendars for October 23—this is one cycle you won't want to break.
