Sci-Fi Meets Noir: Deborah Ann Woll's New Shudder Thriller Blends 'X-Files' with 'True Detective'!

At San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Collider's Steven Weintraub had a comprehensive discussion with Jordan Downey, the director of the upcoming horror thriller The Cycle, and its star, Deborah Ann Woll. The conversation delved into various aspects of the film's production, their inspirations, and their respective upcoming projects, offering fans an exciting glimpse into their creative worlds.

The Cycle, set to stream on Shudder starting October 23, features Deborah Ann Woll as forensic anthropologist Meg. The plot centers around Meg's discovery that a body from a 36-year-old missing person's case is, in fact, her estranged father. Downey and co-writer Kevin Stewart crafted a script inspired by classic television shows such as The X-Files and True Detective, bringing a unique blend of sci-fi and horror influences to the narrative. The film was shot on a limited budget in Astoria, Oregon, a location famously known for filming The Goonies, which helped capture its gloomy coastal aesthetic.

A significant highlight of the film's production is its reliance on practical effects to achieve its horror and fantasy elements. Downey emphasized this approach, detailing the challenges of filmmaking with a constrained budget and tight schedule while working closely with Stewart to develop the film's distinctive visual style. These practical methods were crucial in creating the immersive and eerie atmosphere of The Cycle, setting it apart from other productions.

Deborah Ann Woll, a fan favorite known for her roles in Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again and God of War: Laufey, shared her enthusiasm for returning to the horror genre. She explained why she was ready to transition from superhero narratives to the intense world of horror, highlighting the depth and complexity of her character, Meg. Woll also teased her reunion with her co-stars for Daredevil: Born Again Season 3, much to the excitement of genre fans, and even fantasized about turning The Cycle into her dream tabletop role-playing game campaign.

Jordan Downey also provided insights into how the tone of The Cycle differs from his previous films. He later shared exciting new information about his next sci-fi thriller, titled Override, which is set to star Maria Bakalova and Frank Grillo. This upcoming project indicates Downey's continued exploration of genre filmmaking. The full conversation at SDCC 2026 offered a detailed look into the creative minds behind these captivating stories, celebrating Comic-Con, collectibles, and providing fun personal anecdotes from both Downey and Woll.