The Ultimate Scream Queen Team-Up: Jane Levy and Jessica Rothe Dive Into Shudder's "River"

Get ready, horror fans! Two of modern cinema's most beloved "final girls" are joining forces for a brand-new survival slasher from Shudder, hitting theaters before streaming.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on "River"

• Horror stars Jane Levy (from "Evil Dead") and Jessica Rothe (from "Happy Death Day") lead Shudder's new slasher, "River."
• The film, currently in post-production, is slated for a theatrical release through Independent Film Company before it streams on Shudder.
• "River" centers on estranged siblings battling a "faceless killer" in the woods after their boat breaks down on a remote river.

Imagine being stranded deep in the wilderness, your boat broken, cell service dead, and an unknown terror lurking just beyond the tree line. Now, imagine facing that nightmare alongside not one, but two of modern horror's most celebrated survivors. This isn't just a grim hypothetical; it's the thrilling premise of "River," Shudder's exciting new survival slasher.

This upcoming film brings together Jane Levy, renowned for her visceral, no-holds-barred performance in 2013's "Evil Dead" and the nail-biting home invasion thriller "Don't Breathe," with Jessica Rothe, the endlessly resourceful and resilient protagonist from the "Happy Death Day" franchise. This isn't merely a casting announcement; it's a genre event, promising double the grit and double the fight from actresses who've already proven their mettle against cinematic monsters.

The Potent Combination of Jane Levy and Jessica Rothe's Proven Horror Prowess

When you hear "scream queen," certain names instantly come to mind, and Levy and Rothe have undeniably earned their spots on that list for a new generation of horror buffs. Jane Levy’s turn as Mia in "Evil Dead" wasn't just memorable; it was a masterclass in raw, desperate survival, transforming her character from a victim of demonic possession into a formidable force of vengeance. Her performance cemented her status as someone who can anchor intense, psychological, and utterly gory horror.

Jessica Rothe, on the other hand, brought a unique blend of sass, vulnerability, and evolving resilience to the role of Tree Gelbman in the "Happy Death Day" films. Her character's arc, dying repeatedly only to learn and fight back stronger, perfectly encapsulates the modern "final girl" — someone who adapts, strategizes, and eventually triumphs. Her comedic timing paired with genuine terror made her a standout.

This pairing in "River" isn't just about combining star power; it's about bringing together two distinct, yet equally effective, approaches to surviving the impossible. Their combined presence suggests a dynamic interaction, perhaps even initial conflict stemming from their characters' estranged relationship, before they're forced to unite against the looming external threat. Horror fans are already buzzing with anticipation for the synergy these two will undoubtedly bring to the screen.

Example: Sarah, a lifelong horror fan, remembers vividly the gut-punch ending of "Evil Dead" and the sheer fun of watching Tree outsmart her killer in "Happy Death Day." When the news broke about "River" uniting Levy and Rothe, she immediately texted her movie group, "This is it. This is the slasher we've been waiting for. Imagine the sheer willpower radiating from that screen!" It’s this kind of palpable excitement that underscores the power of a well-cast horror film.

Unpacking the Terrifying Premise of "River": A Sibling Survival Saga

The official synopsis for "River" paints a picture of isolation and dread, setting up a classic survival horror scenario with a familial twist. The story begins with three estranged siblings reuniting in their hometown following their father’s death. Their solemn mission: to scatter his ashes at his cherished spot on a remote river. It sounds like a poignant, if melancholy, journey, but this is horror, after all.

Things quickly spiral into a waking nightmare when their boat breaks down. Stranded miles from any help, and critically, without cell service, the true terror begins. They soon realize they’re not alone; a "faceless killer" or a "ruthless, almost mythic terror" has emerged from the surrounding woods, actively stalking them. To survive the night, these siblings must confront not only the external monster but also their own long-standing grudges, learning to fight together or perish alone.

This premise layers psychological horror, stemming from unresolved family issues, over the primal fear of being hunted in an unforgiving wilderness. It's a rich recipe for tension and character-driven suspense. Joining Levy and Rothe in the cast are Dane DiLiegro, known for his imposing creature work in films like "Prey" and "V/H/S/Beyond," and Max Mattern, who recently appeared in Peacock's true-crime drama "Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy." Their inclusion further solidifies the film's genre credentials, promising a strong ensemble committed to delivering frights. Source: [Variety, "Scream Queens Jane Levy and Jessica Rothe Team for Slasher ‘River’ as Shudder Original Sets Theatrical Release (EXCLUSIVE)", Nov 5, 2025]

A First-Time Director's Six-Year Journey to Bring "River" to Life

"River" marks the feature directorial debut of Joshua Giuliano, an L.A.-based horror filmmaker who, perhaps fittingly, grew up religious and "terrified of everything" in the cornfields of Indiana. This unique upbringing seems to have provided him with a fertile ground for crafting deeply personal and viscerally terrifying stories. Before diving into "River," Giuliano honed his craft with several award-winning short films, gaining recognition at prestigious festivals like Fantasia, Fantastic Fest, and Frightfest.

Giuliano himself emphasized the dedication behind the project, stating, 'River' was six years in the making, a labor of love that culminated in the most rewarding experience of my life. Working with Shudder has been a thrilling collaboration and knowing 'River' will have a theatrical release is a dream come true. I look forward to sharing our terrifying creation with audiences. This "labor of love" aspect strongly implies a filmmaker with a clear vision and unwavering commitment, which often translates into impactful cinema.

Some might naturally approach a debut feature with a degree of caution, wondering if a new director can handle the pressures of a full-length production. However, Giuliano’s extensive track record with acclaimed short films and the six years he poured into "River" suggest a thoughtful, dedicated approach. Furthermore, the strong backing from Shudder and a team of veteran producers (who we'll get to in a moment) provides significant confidence in his ability to deliver.

Shudder's Strategic Theatrical Push and "River's" Box Office Potential

"River" is a Shudder Original Production, but critically, it's slated for a theatrical release through Independent Film Company (IFC) before it hits the streaming service. This strategy highlights Shudder's growing confidence in the box office potential of its original horror content, a confidence that's well-founded given their recent successes.

In recent years, Shudder has successfully launched several genre films into theaters, expanding their audience reach beyond just subscribers. Titles like 2023's "Skinamarink," 2024's "Late Night with the Devil" (which grossed an impressive $15.5 million worldwide), "Good Boy" ($8 million worldwide), and "In a Violent Nature" ($4.6 million) demonstrate a clear pattern of theatrical success. Notably, 2025's "Clown in a Cornfield" reportedly pulled in $21.5 million against a mere $1 million budget, showcasing the lucrative potential when the right horror film connects with audiences. Source: [ScreenRant, "Shudder's New Slasher Movie Unites Two Iconic Scream Queens For The First Time", Nov 5, 2025]

Nicholas Lazo, Shudder’s Vice President of Development and Production, echoes this enthusiasm, praising Giuliano's vision: Josh is a striking new voice in horror. His simultaneously beautiful and horrifying script captivated us from page one, and it's our privilege to team up with such an immensely talented group of producers, cast and crew to bring his feature debut to life. This strong endorsement from a key Shudder executive, combined with a proven theatrical track record, sets "River" up for a promising debut.

The production team behind "River" is also a who's who of horror heavyweights. Steven Schneider ("Insidious," "Paranormal Activity") from Spooky Pictures is producing, alongside Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund ("Chucky," "Hannibal") from Eat the Cat. These names are synonymous with successful and acclaimed genre projects, further bolstering the film’s pedigree. While a theatrical release for a slasher from a new director always faces stiff competition, the combined force of a strong cast, experienced producers, and Shudder's strategic backing significantly mitigates this risk.

What to Expect and When to Watch (Eventually!)

"River" is currently in post-production, meaning the footage has been shot, and the team is now working on editing, sound, and visual effects to bring Giuliano's vision to life. As of now, an exact release date hasn't been set, though one source mentioned it is "expected to be released in theaters in 2026," while others indicate an "unknown date in the future." International rights are being handled by Upgrade and will be introduced to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM).

When it does arrive, expect "River" to deliver a potent mix of survival horror, intense slasher elements, and compelling family drama. The isolated setting, coupled with a mysterious, potentially "mythic" killer, suggests a horror experience that taps into both primal fears and deeper emotional conflicts. This isn't just about jump scares; it's about the slow burn of psychological dread and the desperate fight for survival when all ties are tested.

Practical Takeaways for Horror Enthusiasts:

• Keep a close watch for "River," scheduled for a theatrical release (potentially in 2026) before it streams on Shudder.
• Prepare for a compelling blend of family drama, wilderness survival, and relentless slasher horror, promising more than just cheap thrills.
• Anticipate powerhouse performances from Jane Levy and Jessica Rothe; their combined presence is poised to deliver a truly memorable horror experience.
• Stay tuned to official Shudder and Independent Film Company channels for specific release dates and any trailer drops in the coming months.

Frequently Asked Questions About "River"

When will "River" be released? An exact release date has not been officially announced, but it is in post-production and is "expected to be released in theaters in 2026." Where can I watch "River"? "River" will first have a theatrical release through Independent Film Company (IFC) in the U.S., followed by streaming on Shudder. What is "River" about? The film follows three estranged siblings who reunite after their father's death to scatter his ashes. When their boat breaks down on a remote river, they become stranded and are hunted by a faceless, mythic killer from the woods, forcing them to put aside their grudges to survive. Who are the main stars of "River"? The film stars Jane Levy (from "Evil Dead" and "Don't Breathe") and Jessica Rothe (from the "Happy Death Day" franchise). Dane DiLiegro and Max Mattern are also part of the cast.

Sources:

• FANGORIA, "Two Scream Queens Unite for Shudder's Survival Slasher RIVER"
• ScreenRant, "Shudder's New Slasher Movie Unites Two Iconic Scream Queens For The First Time", Nov 5, 2025
• Variety, "Scream Queens Jane Levy and Jessica Rothe Team for Slasher ‘River’ as Shudder Original Sets Theatrical Release (EXCLUSIVE)", Nov 5, 2025