Championing Creativity Beyond Traditional Boundaries
Elle Fanning, coming off her ambitious dual performance in Predator: Badlands, is using her spotlight to push for something she believes the film industry desperately needs: a broader, more inclusive attitude toward genre cinema during awards season. For Fanning, dismissing films simply because they fall under sci-fi, horror, fantasy, or action is not only creatively limiting—it’s artistically unfair.
In a recent conversation with THR, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominee expressed her frustration with preconceived notions surrounding genre work. “Just because it’s genre, I don’t think people should be biased. I don’t agree with that: a film is a film!” she said, emphasizing that innovation and emotional impact aren’t confined to prestige dramas or traditional awards-friendly fare.
Fanning pointed to recent milestones as proof that the cinematic landscape is changing—albeit slowly. She highlighted Demi Moore’s acclaimed turn in The Substance, a bold body-horror film that earned widespread praise but still battled against the stigma often attached to horror. She also referenced the groundbreaking multiverse epic Everything Everywhere All at Once, which stunned many industry observers when it broke through barriers to sweep major awards. “We are broadening it, and I think that’s important,” Fanning noted. “I feel like we are pushing toward opening it up a little bit more.”
For Fanning, this shift is essential, not just for recognizing established talents but for uplifting emerging filmmakers who thrive in imaginative spaces. “It’s important to cultivate creativity and young directors with their ideas, and to have that be noticed,” she explained. “There shouldn’t be a mathematical equation for what is the proper thing to do. I hope it continues to change.”
Her passion for genre filmmaking is reflected directly in her work. In Predator: Badlands, Fanning takes on the unique challenge of playing two characters—a task she didn’t approach any differently simply because the project is rooted in sci-fi action. What fascinated her most was how the film demanded emotional depth, physical endurance, and comedic precision all at once. “I saw it as a real acting challenge,” she said. “Then you put on top of it the physical challenge—it’s almost harder. I’m strapped to him back to back. We’re in wires and harnesses—but then you also have to deliver the comedic timing, the rhythm.”
Predator: Badlands, now in theaters, pairs Fanning with Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi in a story that reimagines the franchise in a fresh and future-set direction. The plot follows a young Predator, shunned by his own clan, who forms an unexpected bond with Thia—one of Fanning’s characters—as they venture across a dangerous planet seeking a legendary opponent. The film blends action, adventure, survival, and character-driven storytelling, showcasing exactly why Fanning believes genre filmmaking deserves more respect: it allows actors and directors alike to push boundaries that traditional narrative frameworks often can’t accommodate.
Read aboutCall Me Nothing: New Psychological Thriller
The project comes from director Dan Trachtenberg, known for revitalizing genre favorites through tense, character-centered storytelling in films like Prey and 10 Cloverfield Lane. Writers Patrick Aison (Prey) and Brian Duffield (Love and Monsters, No One Will Save You) bring their signature blend of emotional nuance and high-concept imagination—further supporting Fanning’s argument that genre filmmaking is as artistically rich as any awards-season staple.
Call Me Nothing: New Psychological Thriller
Early reviews have echoed that sentiment. Critic Meagan Navarro praised Fanning’s dual performance, noting that she “quickly finds her stride as the surprising moral compass” while also excelling in her sharply contrasting role as Tessa. It’s the kind of ambitious acting showcase that would typically earn awards buzz—if not for the lingering bias that Fanning hopes the industry will finally set aside.
As conversations around awards inclusivity continue to evolve, Fanning’s voice adds meaningful momentum. Her message is clear: great storytelling transcends labels, and artistry shouldn’t be confined by genre. With more actors, filmmakers, and audiences embracing bold, unconventional cinematic visions, the future may very well bring the recognition that genre films—and the artists behind them—have long deserved.
About the author
‘Its Name Was Mormo’ Review: Fear-filled Hearts & Close Encounters
In Mark Bower’s staggering handmade visionary tale, his first movie has drawn the attention of nine international film distributors. A Haunting Tale Mark Bower's handmade visionary performance, "Its Name Was Mormo," is a haunting exploration of fear and the supernatural, capturing audiences with its raw and immersive storytelling which delves into the realm of psyche horror, evoking a sense of dread that lingers long after the camera battery dies. Plot and Atmosphere Set in a desolate, rural town, Its Name Was Mormo > follows the unsettling experiences of a family who encounter an evil entity known as Mormo. The film masterfully builds tension through its eerie landscapes, unsettling silence, and the palpable fear of its characters. Bower’s attention to detail in creating a chilling atmosphere is evident, as each scene is infused with an impending sense of doom. The narrative is […]
The Complete Saw Franchise Is Now Streaming on Peacock: A Definitive Guide for Horror Fans
Horror fans have a major reason to celebrate. One of the most influential and brutal horror series of the 21st century is now easier than ever to revisit. The entire Saw franchise is officially streaming on Peacock, giving viewers instant access to all ten films in the iconic saga. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jigsaw’s twisted philosophy or a newcomer ready to experience the traps for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity for a full franchise marathon. This streaming milestone comes on the heels of one of the biggest horror industry stories of recent years: Blumhouse’s acquisition of the Saw franchise in 2025, which reunited original creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell with the property that launched their careers. With renewed creative energy behind the scenes and renewed accessibility on streaming, Saw is once again dominating the […]
Sundance Film Festival 2026 Midnight Lineup Brings Bold New Horror Films and Genre-Bending Premieres
The Sundance Film Festival 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event for fans of independent cinema, especially those with a taste for horror, dark comedy, and boundary-pushing storytelling. As the iconic festival prepares for its next edition, organizers have officially revealed the 2026 program slate, and it’s packed with buzzworthy titles that promise sleepless nights and thought-provoking experiences. Taking place January 22 through February 1, 2026, the Sundance Film Festival will once again return in person to Park City, Salt Lake City, and the Sundance Resort, while also offering a curated selection of films online starting January 30. Festival packages and passes are already available through Sundance’s official website, giving cinephiles early access to one of the most influential film festivals in the world. With a strong focus on independent horror films, innovative documentaries, and daring new voices, […]
Lionsgate Hints at New AAA Horror Video Games Based on John Wick and Saw
The worlds of film and gaming continue to collide, and Lionsgate appears ready to make a major move into the AAA video game space. During a recent Q2 2026 earnings call, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson teased the possibility of big-budget video games based on some of the studio’s most recognizable franchises. Among the properties specifically mentioned were John Wick and Saw, instantly igniting excitement among action and horror fans alike. According to the earnings call transcript shared by Seeking Alpha, Fogelson emphasized that Lionsgate is seeing “increased interest and increased opportunity” in developing premium games based on its intellectual properties. While the comments stopped short of a formal announcement, the wording strongly suggests that Lionsgate is actively exploring major gaming projects tied to its most successful brands. Lionsgate’s Growing Focus on AAA Video Game Development In recent […]
Horror Story – The Porcelain Whisperer
A forgotten relic in the basement awakes, beckoning the eldest daughter into the darkness. The old Victorian house on Elm Street always felt a little too big for the Miller family, and definitely too quiet at night. During the day, it was full of life. Mommy (Sarah) was always baking or working in her home office, while Daddy (Tom) was busy fixing things that constantly broke in the aging structure. Six-year-old Lily filled the hallways with laughter, usually chased by Barnaby, their lazy orange tabby, and Luna, a sleek black cat who seemed to see things no one else did.[Horror Story] Fourteen-year-old Elara, however, found the house unsettling. It started a month after they moved in. At first, Elara thought it was just the wind whistling through the old chimney. It was a faint sound, barely a scratch on the […]
Horror Story – The Midwife of Blackwood Creek
Disclaimer: The following narrative is constructed from a collection of recovered journals, police transcripts from the fateful night of February 12, 1998, and interviews with the surviving family members. To protect their privacy, names and specific locations in West Virginia have been altered Part I: The Isolation The isolation of the Appalachian Mountains is deceptive. In the summer, it feels like a green, lush embrace. But in the dead of winter, when the trees are stripped bare and look like skeletal fingers clawing at the grey sky, it feels like a cage. For Sarah and David, the farmhouse on Blackwood Creek was supposed to be their sanctuary. Purchased for a suspiciously low price in the late autumn of 1997, it sat on forty acres of dense pine forest, miles away from the nearest paved road. Sarah was eight months pregnant, […]
‘The Mummy’ Lee Cronin and Blumhouse Resurrect the Classic Monster for an April 2026 Release
The director of Evil Dead Rise is bringing a terrifying, horror-first approach to The Mummy, leaving the action-adventure style behind. Universal Pictures is taking another stab at their classic monsters, and for The Mummy (2026), they have recruited one of the most exciting voices in modern horror: Lee Cronin. After the massive success of Evil Dead Rise, Cronin has been tapped to write and direct a new version of The Mummy, set for release on April 17, 2026. This is not a sequel to the Brendan Fraser films, nor is it related to the Tom Cruise flop. This The Mummy is pure nightmare fuel. Lee Cronin has publicly stated that his vision for The Mummy is "dark, scary, and violent." Gone are the campy one-liners; The Mummy (2026) returns to the character's roots as a figure of undead dread. The […]
Related
The Complete Saw Franchise Is Now Streaming on Peacock: A Definitive Guide for Horror Fans
Horror fans have a major reason to celebrate. One of the most influential and brutal horror series of the 21st century is now easier than ever to revisit. The entire Saw franchise is officially streaming on Peacock, giving viewers instant access to all ten films in the iconic saga. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jigsaw’s twisted philosophy or a newcomer ready to experience the traps for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity for a full franchise marathon. This streaming milestone comes on the heels of one of the biggest horror industry stories of recent years: Blumhouse’s acquisition of the Saw franchise in 2025, which reunited original creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell with the property that launched their careers. With renewed creative energy behind the scenes and renewed accessibility on streaming, Saw is once again dominating the […]
‘The Mummy’ Lee Cronin and Blumhouse Resurrect the Classic Monster for an April 2026 Release
The director of Evil Dead Rise is bringing a terrifying, horror-first approach to The Mummy, leaving the action-adventure style behind. Universal Pictures is taking another stab at their classic monsters, and for The Mummy (2026), they have recruited one of the most exciting voices in modern horror: Lee Cronin. After the massive success of Evil Dead Rise, Cronin has been tapped to write and direct a new version of The Mummy, set for release on April 17, 2026. This is not a sequel to the Brendan Fraser films, nor is it related to the Tom Cruise flop. This The Mummy is pure nightmare fuel. Lee Cronin has publicly stated that his vision for The Mummy is "dark, scary, and violent." Gone are the campy one-liners; The Mummy (2026) returns to the character's roots as a figure of undead dread. The […]
‘Weapons’ Massive 2026 Horror Epic Promises to Be the ‘Magnolia’ of Scares
The director of Barbarian returns with Weapons, a star-studded horror film arriving January 16, 2026. If there is one director who currently holds the "golden ticket" in Hollywood horror, it is Zach Cregger. After the massive, unexpected success of Barbarian, Cregger was given carte blanche by New Line Cinema to create his dream project: Weapons. Originally slated for 2025, the film has been positioned as the first major horror event of the new year, hitting theaters on January 16, 2026. Weapons is not just a horror movie; it is being described as an expansive, multi-story epic. Weapons features an incredible ensemble cast, including Josh Brolin (Dune), Julia Garner (Ozark), and Alden Ehrenreich (Oppenheimer). The plot of Weapons is being kept under lock and key, but insiders have compared the structure of the film to Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia—meaning Weapons will […]
Into the Fog: Everything We Know About Return to Silent Hill
After nearly two decades, the sirens are sounding once again. Return to Silent Hill, the highly anticipated third instalment in the film franchise, is officially set to bring the psychological horror of Konami’s legendary video game series back to the big screen. Directed by Christophe Gans, the visionary behind the original 2006 cult classic, this new entry promises a faithful and terrifying adaptation of the fan-favorite story, Silent Hill 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTPHkslPCr0 The Release: A New Nightmare for 2026 While initially expected earlier, the official domestic release date has been set for January 23, 2026. This places the film at the forefront of the year's horror calendar. International audiences in territories like Australia and Brazil can expect to enter the fog a day earlier on January 22, 2026. The Plot: A Journey of Love and Madness The film adapts the narrative […]
Top 10 Console Games: Horror Games You Must Play in 2026
Top 10 Console Games: Horror Games You Must Play in 2026 From legendary remakes to grotesque new nightmares, prepare your PS5 and Xbox Series X for a golden age of terror. The horror genre is currently enjoying a renaissance. We’ve moved past the era of cheap jump-scare YouTube bait and settled into a rich landscape of psychological dread, complex survival mechanics, and narrative-driven terror. For console gamers, the horizon is looking exceptionally grim—in the best way possible. The next 18 months are stacked with titles designed to make you clutch your controller until your knuckles turn white. We are looking at the return of industry titans, ambitious new IPs from legendary creators, and indie darlings making the leap to the big screen. If you’re ready to lose some sleep, here are the top 10 console horror games coming out soon […]
ILL: From Viral Concept to Brutal Reality – Development & Release Update (2026)
For years, the horror game ILL existed in the liminal space between "too good to be true" and "wishlisted immediately." Known for viral clips featuring hyper-realistic dismemberment and flesh-mutating monstrosities, the project faced years of skepticism. The latest ILL Update brings exciting new details to light. The latest ILL Update showcases the game's evolution and development progress. This ILL Update marks a pivotal moment for fans eager for insights. However, recent updates from late 2025 have fundamentally changed the narrative. No longer just a series of glossy animations, ILL has entered full active production with a major publisher backing it. Here is the latest ILL Update on the body-horror title that aims to redefine the genre. 1. Major Publisher Announcement: The Mundfish Partnership In this ILL Update, the focus is on the exciting partnership that influences gameplay. This ILL Update […]