New Horror Film Twisted 'Wizard of Oz' Takes on 'Wicked' in 2026

Filmmaker Casper Kelly, known for his unique blend of surreal horror and dark comedy, including the viral 2014 Adult Swim short, Too Many Cooks, and as a co-writer for Panos Cosmatos’s brutal psychological thriller, Mandy, is gearing up for his feature directorial debut with the film Buddy. At San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Collider’s Perri Nemiroff had the opportunity to sit down with Kelly and two of the film’s stars, Keegan-Michael Key and Delaney Quinn, to delve into the making of this highly anticipated horror project.

Buddy promises a candy-colored world reminiscent of classic children’s television shows like Barney and Blue's Clues, complete with talking mailboxes and an upbeat theme song. At its heart is Buddy, a bright orange unicorn who stars in this seemingly perfect children’s program. However, lurking beneath the surface of magic and friendship is a sinister and violent undercurrent. The premise takes a dark turn when one child refuses to conform to Buddy’s rules, causing this idyllic world to unravel. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Keegan-Michael Key, Delaney Quinn, Cristin Milioti (The Penguin), Topher Grace (That ‘70s Show), and Patton Oswalt (The Dink).

During their conversation at SDCC 2026, the trio discussed various aspects of the film's production and their experiences. Keegan-Michael Key’s involvement proved transformative for the project, as he helped shape the character of Buddy and its evolution with his experimental approach. Kelly himself confirmed that seeing the finished cut of the film was what ultimately convinced Key he had to be a part of Buddy, despite initially having reservations. Delaney Quinn also shared her insights, explaining how Key’s work surprised her and how she, along with Key, highlighted Kelly’s imaginative vision and world-building capabilities.

Kelly also offered high praise for the cast, particularly for Delaney Quinn, whose audition reignited his belief in the script for Buddy. He extended his commendation to the young supporting cast, acknowledging their stellar performances. Beyond the film's specifics, the team shared personal anecdotes, including their first experiences with fandom at Comic-Con 2026 and which fandoms stole their hearts early on. They also teased what they hope to explore next in the horror genre, revealing elements on their 'horror bucket lists'. A fun, last-minute detail hidden in the set was also revealed by Casper Kelly.

Buddy is set to open in theaters on August 28, inviting audiences to experience its unique blend of childhood nostalgia and unsettling horror.