Horror maestro Eli Roth is back with a new nightmare, and he's crediting an unlikely hero for making it possible: the Terrifier franchise. At San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Roth sat down with Collider to talk about his upcoming film Ice Cream Man, a blood-soaked, unrated horror that he says owes a debt to Damien Leone's killer clown series.
Roth, known for pushing boundaries with Cabin Fever, Hostel, and 2023's Thanksgiving, describes Ice Cream Man as a "carnival of carnage." He wanted to outdo himself in the gore department, aiming for "one kill after another after another," reminiscent of classics like Re-Animator and Dawn of the Dead. The film, co-written with Noah Belson back in 2003, follows a picture-perfect town where a local ice cream truck serves up mind-rotting treats. Once kids eat the ice cream, the truck's jingle turns them into bloodthirsty fiends.
Starring Ari Millen as the titular villain, alongside Roth, Benjamin Byron Davis, Sarah Abbott, and Karen Cliche, Ice Cream Man is the debut release from Roth's own production company, The Horror Section. At the convention, Roth discussed the long road to getting the film made, the challenges of directing a young cast in a violent movie, and how the landscape for unrated horror has shifted dramatically.
Roth pointed directly to the success of Terrifier 3 as a game-changer. "It proved that audiences are hungry for unrated horror in theaters," he said. That success opened doors for films like Ice Cream Man to get a wide theatrical release without a rating, a move that was once considered risky. Now, it's a selling point for horror fans seeking the most extreme experiences.
Directing child actors in a horror film came with its own set of challenges. Roth shared that he had to balance the film's intense violence with a sense of fun, ensuring the young cast understood the tone without being traumatized. "It's about creating a safe, playful set," he explained, "so the scares stay on screen."
Beyond Ice Cream Man, Roth is also collaborating with Snoop Dogg on a new horror project titled Don't Go in That House, Bitch! Roth revealed that Snoop, a longtime horror enthusiast, was thrilled to jump on board. The duo's partnership promises a blend of horror and humor, with Snoop's unique energy adding a fresh twist to the genre.
Roth also touched on the importance of "sticking the landing" in horror movies, a topic that resonates with fans who've seen their favorite franchises stumble at the finish line. He emphasized that a great ending can elevate a film from good to unforgettable, a lesson he's applied to his own work.
With Ice Cream Man hitting theaters on August 7, Roth is poised to deliver another wild ride for horror enthusiasts. The film's unrated status, combined with its relentless gore and dark humor, makes it a must-see for fans of the genre. As Roth continues to push boundaries, he's proving that horror is alive and well in theaters, thanks in part to the trail blazed by Terrifier.
For more on Roth's upcoming projects and the state of horror, check out our list of unforgettable horror endings and our ranking of terrifying horror films since 2010.
