If you thought In a Violent Nature was the strangest thing to come out of the Canadian wilderness, wait until you see what Ry Barrett and Timothy Paul McCarthy are up to next. The two actors, known for their work in that slasher hit, are lending their voices to Kylgor in the Grisly Abyss, a puppet-driven fantasy horror that looks like a fever dream mashup of Conan the Barbarian, The Dark Crystal, and a slaughterhouse. And yes, it's as gloriously unhinged as it sounds.
Written and directed by Mason Newton-DeRushie, the film is set to make its world premiere at Fantastic Fest, where audiences will finally descend into the Grisly Abyss. But before that, we've got an exclusive first look at three new images that showcase the film's wild puppet world—complete with barbarians, monsters, and enough severed heads to make any horror fan grin.
A Bloody, Puppet-Powered Fantasy Epic
Newton-DeRushie has crafted a grimdark adventure that's a far cry from the family-friendly puppetry of The Muppets. The story follows Kylgor and a band of surviving barbarians after their people are wiped out by the evil King Kath. They manage to exact their revenge and flee with the king's severed head as a trophy, but their escape takes a disastrous turn when they tumble into a massive underground abyss. What follows is a harrowing fight for survival as they navigate a nightmare landscape filled with horrific creatures and an unseen menace lurking in the shadows.
McCarthy voices the titular Kylgor, while Barrett takes on the role of Captain Sharr. Both actors previously appeared in In a Violent Nature, with Barrett playing the iconic Johnny and McCarthy as Chuck. Barrett is also set to return for the sequel, making this project a fun reunion for fans of that franchise. Newton-DeRushie has been developing Kylgor in the Grisly Abyss for years, with a clear vision to push the boundaries of what puppet cinema can be—bloodier, bolder, and far more ambitious than anything you've seen before.
Why This One's a Must-Watch
The new stills reveal just how far Newton-DeRushie is willing to go. From the grizzled barbarian warriors to the nightmarish creatures that await them, every frame is dripping with detail and dread. It's a testament to the power of practical effects and puppetry, a craft that's often overshadowed by CGI in modern fantasy. For fans of worldbuilding that pushes the envelope, this is a must-see.
While the film is clearly a passion project, it also taps into a growing appetite for unconventional horror. With its blend of high fantasy and visceral gore, Kylgor in the Grisly Abyss is poised to be one of the most talked-about titles at the festival. And if you're already counting down the days, you might want to check out this year's other horror highlights to keep the scares coming.
Premiere Details
Kylgor in the Grisly Abyss will have its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2026, running from September 17 through September 24 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas. For the full lineup and ticketing info, head to the festival's official website. Until then, feast your eyes on the exclusive images above and start preparing for a descent into the abyss.
