At this year's San Diego Comic-Con, Collider's Perri Nemiroff sat down with the creative team behind Buddy, the upcoming horror-comedy that flips the sunny world of children's television on its head. Director Casper Kelly, star Keegan-Michael Key, and breakout Delaney Quinn shared insights into the film's journey, from script to screen, and their shared love for the genre.
Kelly, best known for the viral Adult Swim short Too Many Cooks, brings his signature surreal horror to Buddy. The film centers on a cheerful orange unicorn named Buddy, the host of a saccharine kids' show reminiscent of Barney or Blue's Clues. But beneath the catchy theme song and talking mailboxes lies a sinister secret. When a young viewer refuses to play by Buddy's rules, the colorful world begins to unravel into violence and chaos.
Key, who joined the project after seeing the finished cut, explained how his involvement transformed the character. "I came in with a lot of experimental ideas," he said, noting that Kelly was open to improvisation and collaborative tweaks. Quinn, who plays a pivotal role, praised Key's unpredictable energy, saying his performance surprised her on set. "He brought a level of spontaneity that made every scene feel alive," she added.
Kelly revealed that Quinn's audition was a turning point for the film. "Her reading reignited my belief in the script," he admitted. The director also shared a fun behind-the-scenes detail: a last-minute hidden element in the set that eagle-eyed fans might spot. "It's a little nod to something I love," Kelly teased, without giving too much away.
The trio also discussed their early fandom experiences at Comic-Con, with Key recalling his love for comic books and Quinn her obsession with fantasy novels. When asked about future horror projects, they each had wishlist items. Key expressed interest in psychological thrillers, while Quinn hopes to explore supernatural horror. Kelly, ever the innovator, hinted at wanting to push boundaries further, perhaps blending genres in unexpected ways.
Buddy also stars Cristin Milioti, Topher Grace, and Patton Oswalt, adding to its impressive ensemble. The film opens in theaters on August 28, and if the buzz from SDCC is any indication, it's poised to be one of the most talked-about horror releases of the year.
For fans of Kelly's previous work, Buddy promises the same blend of nostalgia and dread that made Too Many Cooks a cult phenomenon. And for those new to his style, this is the perfect entry point into a mind that delights in subverting expectations. As the team gears up for the release, one thing is clear: Buddy is not just a horror movie—it's a commentary on the dark side of childhood entertainment.
Check out the full interview in the video above, and mark your calendars for August 28. In the meantime, if you're craving more genre thrills, you might want to revisit some of the most intense movies since 2020 or explore the worst horror movies ever made for a laugh. And if you're a fan of Key, you won't want to miss his other upcoming projects.
