Eli Roth's 'Ice Cream Man' Unveils Cast & First Look, Promises Pure Terror

Get the scoop on Eli Roth's highly anticipated horror flick, 'Ice Cream Man,' as it reveals its main cast and a sinister first-look image, teasing a truly horrifying experience for a 2026 release.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop

• Eli Roth's new horror movie, "Ice Cream Man," recently wrapped principal photography and is slated for a wide theatrical release in 2026.
• "Orphan Black" star Ari Millen has been cast as the menacing titular character, leading an ensemble that includes several "Thanksgiving" alumni.
• Roth describes the film as his "most terrifying and insane" yet, with an Emmy-winning composer and additional music from Snoop Dogg adding to the chilling atmosphere.

Imagine a perfect summer day, the kind where the sun beats down, cicadas hum, and the distant jingle of an ice cream truck brings a smile to every kid's face. Now, picture that idyllic scene twisting into a nightmare, the sweet melodies morphing into a sinister dirge as the ice cream man himself becomes the source of an unimaginable horror. That’s the chilling premise Eli Roth is serving up with his latest project, "Ice Cream Man," and we've just gotten our first taste of what's to come, including the full cast and a terrifying first-look image.

The horror maestro, known for pushing boundaries with films like the "Hostel" and "Cabin Fever" franchises and last year's hit "Thanksgiving," has finally pulled back the curtain on this long-gestating passion project. Roth promises "Ice Cream Man" will be his "most terrifying and insane film to date," a bold claim that has horror fans buzzing with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.

Bringing a Twenty-Year Terrifying Vision to the Big Screen

Roth revealed that the idea for "Ice Cream Man" has been churning in his mind for over two decades. It's surreal, he says, to finally see it come to life with such an "insanely talented cast." This isn't just another slasher flick; it's a deeply personal project for Roth, hinting at a level of dedication and intensity that could truly elevate the scares beyond typical genre fare.

The first official image unveiled shows Ari Millen, recognizable from "Orphan Black," embodying the titular "Ice Cream Man." Millen's portrayal promises to be anything but sweet, radiating a menacing aura that's sure to send shivers down your spine. This initial visual confirmation already sets a disturbing tone for what's described as a descent into madness for an unsuspecting summer town.

The Star-Studded Ensemble Delivering Horrifying Results

Roth has assembled an impressive lineup to bring this chilling tale to life, featuring a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars. Many will recognize some familiar faces from Roth’s recent work, particularly his grisly 2023 slasher, "Thanksgiving," suggesting a creative team that knows how to deliver the goods.

Meet the Talented Cast Joining the "Ice Cream Man"

• Ari Millen ("Orphan Black") as the titular Ice Cream Man
• Benjamin Byron Davis ("Guardians of the Galaxy 3," "Red Dead Redemption")
• Dylan Hawco ("Heartland")
• Sarah Abbott ("Black Mirror," "The Body")
• Kiori Mirza Waldman
• Charlie Zeltzer ("The Handmaid's Tale")
• Shiloh O'Reilly ("Thanksgiving")
• Karen Cliche ("Thanksgiving")
• Charlie Storey ("Thanksgiving")
• Eli Roth himself, in an undisclosed role

This mix of talent, especially the reunion of several "Thanksgiving" actors and crew members, suggests a cohesive unit already comfortable with Roth's intense vision and practical effects-heavy style. It's a smart move, allowing them to hit the ground running on a film Roth is touting as his most extreme yet.

"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: ComingSoon.net, Variety)

Behind-the-Scenes Expertise Amplifying the Terror

A horror film is only as good as its scares, and "Ice Cream Man" is lining up some serious talent behind the camera to ensure maximum impact. The score will be handled by Emmy Award-winning composer Brandon Roberts, whose credits include "Thanksgiving" and "Andor." Adding another layer of cool to the chills, none other than music icon Snoop Dogg is contributing additional music to the film. This isn't Snoop's first dance with Roth; they're also collaborating on the upcoming horror project "Don’t Go in That House, Bitch!"

For the gruesome visuals, fans can expect top-tier prosthetic makeup effects from Steve Newburn and Academy Award winner Adrien Morot. Both artists famously collaborated with Roth on "Thanksgiving," bringing its unforgettable gore to life. Their involvement in "Ice Cream Man" guarantees that the "horrifying results" promised in the synopsis will be visually disturbing and incredibly effective.

Addressing Expectations and the Wait for This Chilling Treat

Now, let's tackle a couple of points that might be on your mind. First, for those who remember the 1995 horror-comedy "Ice Cream Man" starring Clint Howard, rest assured: Roth's film is a completely separate, unrelated project. The references confirm it's "no relation," so don't expect any comedic relief here; this is pure, unadulterated horror.

Second, a 2026 theatrical release might feel like a long wait, especially with principal photography already wrapped in September. However, big-budget horror films, particularly those with a global distribution strategy like this one, require extensive post-production work. This includes meticulous editing, sound design, visual effects, and a comprehensive marketing rollout. The film has already generated significant buzz, selling out nearly all international distribution rights at its Cannes market debut, including major territories like the UK, Germany, France, and Australia via StudioCanal's Sixth Dimension. This early success indicates strong confidence in the project and warrants a strategic, wide release plan to maximize its impact.

Example: The Town That Lost Its Sweetness

Consider the fictional coastal town of Havenwood. For generations, the arrival of the local ice cream truck, driven by kindly Mr. Abernathy, signaled the true start of summer. Kids would gather, eager for their favorite flavors, parents would chat on porches, and the jingle was a comforting soundtrack to lazy afternoons. But then, a new ice cream man arrived, a quiet figure named Silas, whose truck looked just like Abernathy's, but his treats tasted…different. Children started having strange dreams, then night terrors. Small pets went missing. The once-bright jingle began to sound sinister, and parents, initially dismissing it as childish imagination, slowly realized that the sweetness Silas offered came with a horrifying, unseen cost, turning Havenwood's summer joy into an insidious, creeping fear. This slow-burn unraveling of a community, fueled by a seemingly innocuous presence, is exactly the kind of descent into madness Roth's film promises.

The First Film Under The Horror Section Banner

"Ice Cream Man" also marks a significant milestone as the first film produced under Roth's new company, The Horror Section. Launched in March 2025 in partnership with Media Capital Technologies (MCT), The Horror Section aims to be a premier genre brand, curating a library of unhinged films, TV series, games, and podcasts. This venture underscores Roth's commitment to the horror genre, suggesting "Ice Cream Man" is just the beginning of a new wave of terrifying content from his creative vision.

With a compelling premise, a talented cast and crew, and Roth’s promise of his most terrifying film yet, "Ice Cream Man" is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated horror releases of 2026. Keep an eye out for more updates as we get closer to its chilling theatrical debut.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eli Roth's "Ice Cream Man"

When is "Ice Cream Man" scheduled for release? The film is currently scheduled for a wide theatrical release in 2026. Is this movie a remake of the 1995 film "Ice Cream Man"? No, Eli Roth's "Ice Cream Man" is an original story and has no relation to the 1995 horror-comedy starring Clint Howard. Who is composing the music for the film? Emmy Award-winning composer Brandon Roberts is creating the score, with additional music provided by Snoop Dogg. Will Eli Roth appear in the movie? Yes, Eli Roth himself is listed as part of the cast, though his role has not yet been disclosed.

Sources:

• ComingSoon.net: "Eli Roth’s New Horror Movie Ice Cream Man Unveils Cast & First Look Photo"
• Variety: "Eli Roth Horror ‘Ice Cream Man’ Unveils First Look and Cast, Including ‘Orphan Black’ Star Ari Millen (EXCLUSIVE)" by Alex Ritman, Elsa Keslassy (Nov 12, 2025)
• FANGORIA: "Eli Roth Serves Up the First Look at His ‘Ice Cream Man’ Movie"
• bloody-disgusting.com: "Eli Roth’s ‘Ice Cream Man’ Reveals Cast & First Image of Ari Millen in Title Role" by Alex DiVincenzo (Nov 12, 2025)
• HorrorFuel.com: "Eli Roth Serves Up the First Look at His ‘Ice Cream Man’ Movie" by Kelli Marchman McNeely (Nov 12, 2025)
• Future of the Force: "The Cast Has Been Unveiled For Eli Roth’s Chilling New Film, Ice Cream Man" by Carl Roberts (Nov 13, 2025)
• IMDb.com: Mentions of cast members' previous works and film details.