Fresh off his scene-stealing turn in Zach Cregger's Weapons, young actor Luke Speakman is diving back into the horror pool with a brand-new fright fest. We've got an exclusive first look at The Heretiks, an invasion horror that's set to make waves at this year's Fantastic Fest. And trust us, the image alone is enough to send a chill down your spine.
Speakman, who impressed audiences and critics alike in Weapons—a film that also earned Amy Madigan a surprise Best Supporting Actress Oscar—is taking on the role of Wesley in this new project. At just 13 years old, he's already building an impressive horror résumé, and The Heretiks looks to be another standout addition.
The film comes from the twisted minds of Luke Piotrowski and Ben Collins, the duo behind the 2022 Hellraiser reboot. They've also collaborated on The Night House and Super Dark Times, so they know a thing or two about crafting atmospheric, character-driven scares. Directing duties fall to Gregg Bishop, known for Siren and Dance of the Dead. Bishop previously teased the project, saying, "I couldn't be more proud of what this team pulled off. We set out to make a visceral, high-stakes Halloween horror experience, grounded in performance and built for a crowd, and I can't wait to share it."
So, what's The Heretiks all about? The logline promises a spooky night: "On Halloween night, a rebellious dropout must protect her sister when a feral coven invades their home to awaken an ancient evil." It's a classic setup with a modern, gritty twist, and the cast is filled with promising newcomers including Kimberly Epstein as Cai, Josie Wert as Ada, Ava Mae Seidensticker as Mabel, Tess Williams as Neve, and Spencer Brabham as Ryan.
This exclusive first look is just one of many exciting reveals coming out of Fantastic Fest, which runs from September 17 to 24 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas. The festival is known for showcasing bold, genre-bending cinema, and The Heretiks is shaping up to be a highlight. For more on the festival's lineup, check out the official film guide.
If you're a fan of Weapons, you might also want to revisit Amy Madigan's best performances while you wait for the upcoming prequel. And if you're hungry for more horror, our exclusive look at another Fantastic Fest folk horror might just be your next obsession.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more exclusive peeks at the scariest projects heading to Fantastic Fest and beyond. The Heretiks is one to watch, and we'll be bringing you all the details as they emerge.
