Get ready to carve out some time on your Halloween calendar for 2026. Free streaming service Tubi has officially announced a sequel to its breakout YA horror film, R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead, confirming that Pumpkinhead 2 will premiere exclusively on the platform in October 2026. The move comes after the original film became a massive viewership hit, driving significant growth for the ad-supported service during its annual Halloween programming event.
From Cult Hit to Franchise
The original R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead was a cornerstone of Tubi's "Terror on Tubi" lineup last Halloween season, captivating audiences and contributing to a major surge in viewing hours. Its success has now paved the way for a return to the cursed town of Redhaven. The sequel will follow a new protagonist, Evan, a bullied teen who stumbles upon an ancient spellbook. His accidental incantation unleashes a gourd-headed evil, threatening to transform the town's festive Harvest Festival into a harvest of horror.
"Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without a good story about kids being trapped inside a pumpkin," said master of YA scares R.L. Stine in a statement. "I’m so happy that we are going to have another pumpkin head adventure on Tubi." The town's salvation may rest with another outsider—a misunderstood witch—setting the stage for a classic battle against supernatural forces.
What Was the First Film About?
For those who missed the initial harvest, the first film (which is distinct from the 1988 creature feature of the same name) introduced viewers to Redhaven, a town where "the harvest never ends." It followed brothers Sam and Finn, who move to the eerily folk-horror community with their widowed mother. After a confrontation with a sinister local farmer, Sam steals a prized pumpkin. When Finn tries to return it, he vanishes completely, as if erased from existence. Sam must then team up with new friend Becka and the town oddball, Rusty, to solve the mystery before the town's curse claims them too.
The film featured a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent, including Kevin McNulty (Schmigadoon!), Bob Frazer (Falling Skies), and newcomers Bean Reid and Adeline Lo. Its blend of teen drama and autumnal terror clearly struck a chord, making it a perfect weekend binge for horror fans. If you're looking for another series to devour in a sitting, consider Reservation Dogs: Your Perfect Hulu Weekend Binge Is This 3-Season Gem.
Creative Team Returns
Jem Garrard, who wrote and directed the first film (and previously helmed the drag queen horror film Slay), will return to both roles for the sequel. The original movie was adapted from a Stine story first published in the 1999 anthology Nightmare Hour and later filmed as an episode of The Haunting Hour. Garrard will also executive produce alongside a team including James Mattagne, Joan Waricha, and Harvey Kahn.
The announcement solidifies Tubi's strategy of investing in original horror content that resonates with younger audiences, creating potential franchises from proven hits. This focus on genre storytelling echoes the success of other platforms, much like how Revival: SYFY's Flawless Horror Noir Series Reinvents the Zombie Genre carved out a distinct niche.
With the sequel now in the pipeline for a 2026 release, fans have a new Halloween event to anticipate. The continued partnership between R.L. Stine and Tubi suggests the free streaming service is keen to cultivate its own iconic seasonal scares. For more chilling tales, you can always explore Andy Weir's 'Black Mirror' Critique Misses the Show's True, Human Horror.
R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 will premiere exclusively on Tubi in October 2026.
