Clown in a Mother Fucking Cornfield!
by Justine Norton-Kertson
If you’re a big fan of Adam Cesare's bestselling young adult horror Clown in a Cornfield novels like I am, then you’re gonna be thrilled to learn that you can officially mark their calendars. The highly anticipated movie adaptation, helmed by Eli Craig (Tucker & Dale vs. Evil), will hit theaters on May 9, 2025. With RLJE Films and Shudder behind the project, this promises to be a slasher spectacle with a wide theatrical release.
Published in 2020 by HarperCollins, Clown in a Cornfield introduced horror readers to Kettle Springs, a troubled small town plagued by generational conflict and an iconic killer clown named Frendo. The book's blend of classic slasher elements with contemporary social commentary quickly earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, spawning two sequels. Now, the terror of Frendo is poised to leap from page to screen in what promises to be a fresh take on the slasher genre.
Director Eli Craig brings his knack for blending horror and humor to the adaptation, a fitting match for Cesare's story, which combines blood-soaked scares with sharp satire. The cast includes Katie Douglas (Ginny & Georgia), Carson MacCormac (Shazam!), Aaron Abrams (Hannibal), Will Sasso (The Three Stooges), and Kevin Durand (Abigail), promising a mix of fresh talent and veteran performers.
With the release date just months before summer, we expect a trailer to drop soon and are keeping our eyes out for that. The timing seems perfect for Clown in a Cornfield to capitalize on both the school’s-out crowd and horror enthusiasts eager for a chilling theatrical experience. RLJE Films and Shudder are betting big on the film’s success, giving it a wide release rather than relegating it to streaming-only, signaling confidence in its mass appeal.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the novel or a newcomer lured by the slasher vibes, Clown in a Cornfield promises to deliver the thrills. The countdown to May 9, 2025, has officially begun, so prepare for Frendo’s theatrical debut—just don’t turn your back on the cornfields.
