Get ready for a horrifying twist on summer treats as Eli Roth's much-anticipated Ice Cream Man unveils its first official image and a full list of stars, promising his "most terrifying" film yet.
TL;DR
- Horror maestro Eli Roth's Ice Cream Man has revealed its first official image, featuring Ari Millen in the unsettling titular role.
- The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Thanksgiving alums, and features music contributions from Emmy-winner Brandon Roberts and Snoop Dogg.
- Slated for a wide theatrical release in 2026, Roth describes it as his "most terrifying and insane film to date."
Imagine a sweltering summer day. The sun beats down, cicadas hum, and then you hear it: the distant, familiar jingle of an ice cream truck. For most of us, it conjures memories of childhood joy and sweet relief. But what if that jingle signaled something far more sinister? What if the treats on offer weren't so sweet after all? That's the chilling premise Eli Roth is bringing to life with his new horror film, Ice Cream Man, and we've just gotten our first taste of the madness with a new image and the full cast reveal.
Roth, known for pushing boundaries in horror with films like Hostel and the recent hit Thanksgiving, isn't just directing this time. He's called Ice Cream Man his "most terrifying and insane film to date" (Source: Variety, "Eli Roth Horror ‘Ice Cream Man’ Unveils First Look and Cast…", November 12, 2025). High praise coming from a master of modern gore, right? Fans have been eager for details, and now, the first official photo gives us a glimpse of Ari Millen, known for his work in Orphan Black, looking suitably unsettling in the title role.
A Deliciously Disturbing Ensemble: Discovering the Cast of "Ice Cream Man"It takes a special kind of talent to bring Roth’s twisted visions to the screen, and the cast he's assembled for Ice Cream Man looks more than up to the task. Leading the charge is Ari Millen as the titular character, a role that promises to be a far cry from his previous work. But he's far from alone in this descent into madness.
The lineup includes some familiar faces for horror fans and beyond:
- Benjamin Byron Davis (known for Red Dead Redemption and Guardians of the Galaxy 3)
- Karen Cliche (Thanksgiving)
- Dylan Hawco (Heartland)
- Sarah Abbott (Black Mirror, The Body)
- Shiloh O’Reilly (Thanksgiving)
- Kiori Mirza Waldman
- Charlie Zeltzer (The Handmaid’s Tale)
- Charlie Storey (Thanksgiving)
And yes, Roth himself is rounding out the cast in an undisclosed role. It’s a smart move to bring back several actors from his critically and commercially successful Thanksgiving, creating a sense of continuity and trust in his creative team. These performers clearly know how to navigate Roth's specific brand of intense, visceral horror.
Get the scoop on Eli Roth's 'Ice Cream Man'! Discover the full cast, first look at Ari Millen, plot details, and Roth's promise for his 'most terrifying' horror film yet. Hitting theaters in 2026.
Unpacking the Horrifying Premise of Sweet Treats Gone Wrong
The core concept of Ice Cream Man is simple, yet profoundly unsettling: "An idyllic summer town descends into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet delights with horrifying results." (Source: ComingSoon.net, "Eli Roth’s New Horror Movie Ice Cream Man Unveils Cast & First Look Photo"). It taps into that primal fear of childhood innocence corrupted, turning a beloved figure of summer into a harbinger of terror.
It’s important to note for those wondering: this film is not related to the 1995 Clint Howard-starring horror-comedy of the same name. Roth's vision promises to be an entirely fresh, and likely much darker, take on the "evil ice cream man" trope. The contrast between the bright, cheerful facade of an ice cream truck and the unspeakable horrors within is ripe for Roth’s signature blend of shocking imagery and psychological dread.
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The Creative Minds Whipping Up This Terrifying Confection
Behind the camera, Roth isn't just directing; he co-wrote the script with his longtime friend and collaborator, Noah Belson. Roth has stated this idea has been brewing for over 20 years, finally coming to fruition (Source: Rue Morgue, "Say hello to the ‘ICE CREAM MAN’ as cast of Eli Roth’s latest is revealed", November 12, 2025). This long gestation period suggests a deeply personal project, refined over decades, which could mean an even more potent and impactful film.
"I couldn’t be more excited about the incredible cast we’ve assembled for Ice Cream Man... It’s surreal to see the idea I’ve had for over twenty years come to life — and with this insanely talented cast, we get to deliver a film to horror fans that’s as terrifying as I’ve always imagined."
— Eli Roth (Source: HorrorFuel.com, "Eli Roth Serves Up the First Look at His ‘Ice Cream Man’ Movie", November 12, 2025)
Adding layers to the terror will be the film's score, composed by Emmy Award-winner Brandon Roberts (Thanksgiving, Andor). And in a surprising, yet exciting twist, music icon Snoop Dogg is contributing additional music to the film. This isn't their first collaboration; Snoop Dogg is also working with Roth on the upcoming horror project Don't Go in That House, Bitch! This unique musical blend could bring an interesting, perhaps even darkly playful, dimension to the film's soundscape.
Of course, no Eli Roth film would be complete without truly gruesome practical effects. For Ice Cream Man, Roth has reunited with the acclaimed team behind Thanksgiving's memorable scares: Oscar winner Adrien Morot (The Whale, Thanksgiving) and Steve Newburn (Thanksgiving, Frankenstein). Their expertise in prosthetic makeup effects ensures that the "horrifying results" promised in the synopsis will be delivered with chilling realism.
For example, imagine a fan who was blown away by the practical gore in Thanksgiving – the brutal axe kills, the turkey suit villain. Knowing that the same Oscar-winning team is back for Ice Cream Man immediately raises their expectations for intense, tactile horror that CGI often can't replicate. It builds a direct connection of quality and style from Roth's last hit to his next.
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A Look Ahead: The Horror Section's Debut and Global Reach
Ice Cream Man marks a significant milestone: it's the first film under Roth's new banner, The Horror Section. Launched in partnership with Media Capital Technologies (MCT) earlier this year, The Horror Section aims to be a premier brand for genre content, encompassing films, TV series, games, and podcasts. This movie's successful run at the Cannes market, where it "sold out nearly the entire world" in terms of distribution rights, speaks volumes about the industry's confidence in Roth's vision and The Horror Section's potential (Source: The Horror Section, "The Cast Has Been Unveiled For Eli Roth’s Chilling New Film, Ice Cream Man", November 13, 2025).
Speaking of distribution, WME Independent is handling international rights, while StudioCanal’s Sixth Dimension has already secured distribution for major territories including the UK, Germany, France, Benelux, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand. Domestically, The Horror Section itself will handle the release. This widespread early acquisition indicates strong market interest and suggests that Roth's claim of making his "most terrifying" film isn't just hype.
While the film wrapped principal photography in September, we'll have to wait a bit for the big screen debut. The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in 2026. This timeframe allows ample time for post-production, including finessing those terrifying effects and soundscapes.
Considering the Road Ahead: Challenges and Expectations
Despite the excitement, a 2026 release means a substantial wait for eager fans. Maintaining buzz over such a long period can be a challenge in today's fast-paced news cycle. However, Roth's track record and his bold claims about the film's intensity are likely to keep anticipation simmering.
Another point to consider is the inherent challenge of making a "killer ice cream man" concept truly fresh and terrifying. While Roth is known for his inventive horrors, the trope itself isn't entirely new. The success of Ice Cream Man will hinge on Roth's ability to inject novel scares and a unique narrative punch into a familiar premise, leveraging his reputation for shocking audiences and delivering a genuinely unsettling experience.
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Practical Takeaways for Horror Fans
- Mark your calendars for 2026: While specific dates are still TBD, plan for a horrifying summer, or whenever the theatrical release hits.
- Prepare for a chilling twist on nostalgia: Eli Roth is taking a childhood icon and twisting it into something truly sinister.
- Expect top-tier practical effects: With Oscar-winning Adrien Morot and Steve Newburn on board, anticipate some seriously gruesome visuals.
- Keep an eye on The Horror Section: Ice Cream Man is their first big project, signaling a new era for Eli Roth's horror empire.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eli Roth's "Ice Cream Man"
A: The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release in 2026.
Q: Who is starring in Ice Cream Man?A: Ari Millen plays the titular role, joined by Benjamin Byron Davis, Karen Cliche, Dylan Hawco, Sarah Abbott, Shiloh O’Reilly, Kiori Mirza Waldman, Charlie Zeltzer, Charlie Storey, and Eli Roth himself.
Q: What is the plot of Ice Cream Man?A: The movie follows an idyllic summer town that descends into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet delights with horrifying results.
Q: Is this film related to the 1995 Ice Cream Man movie?A: No, Eli Roth's Ice Cream Man is an original story and is not related to the 1995 film starring Clint Howard.
Sources
- ComingSoon.net, "Eli Roth’s New Horror Movie Ice Cream Man Unveils Cast & First Look Photo"
- HorrorFuel.com, "Eli Roth Serves Up the First Look at His ‘Ice Cream Man’ Movie", November 12, 2025
- Rue Morgue, "Say hello to the ‘ICE CREAM MAN’ as cast of Eli Roth’s latest is revealed", November 12, 2025
- The Horror Section, "The Cast Has Been Unveiled For Eli Roth’s Chilling New Film, Ice Cream Man", November 13, 2025
- Variety, "Eli Roth Horror ‘Ice Cream Man’ Unveils First Look and Cast, Including ‘Orphan Black’ Star Ari Millen (EXCLUSIVE)", November 12, 2025