Horror Trailblazer: Eli Roth Reveals 'Terrifier's Impact on Unrated Cinema
Eli Roth discussed his new unrated horror film, "Ice Cream Man," and his collaboration with Snoop Dogg at SDCC 2026. He detailed the film's extreme gore, the challenges of working with child actors, and its theatrical release through his company, The Horror Section. Roth also teased his upcoming project with Snoop Dogg, "Don't Go in That House, Bitch!"
During San Diego Comic-Con 2026, acclaimed horror producer, writer, and director Eli Roth sat down with Collider’s Steven Weintraub to discuss his latest and upcoming projects, notably his unrated killer kids horror film, "Ice Cream Man," and a collaboration with Snoop Dogg on "Don't Go in That House, Bitch!". Roth shared insights into the challenges and creative processes behind these ventures, along with celebrating the convention experience.
"Ice Cream Man" is touted by Roth as a "carnival of carnage," a film he specifically designed to surpass the gory kills seen in his previous works like "Cabin Fever," "Hostel," and "Thanksgiving." Co-written by Roth and Noah Belson in 2003, the movie plunges a seemingly perfect town into terror when its local ice cream truck dispenses mind-rotting dessert. The children who consume this treat are transformed, and upon hearing the truck's jingle, their hunger shifts from ice cream to blood. The film features Ari Millen as the titular villain, alongside Roth himself, Benjamin Byron Davis, Sarah Abbott, and Karen Cliche.
Roth revealed that "Ice Cream Man" is set to be the debut feature for his own company, The Horror Section, with a theatrical release scheduled for August 7. He credited the success of Damien Leone’s "Terrifier" franchise for making unrated horror films a viable and hot commodity for theatrical distribution, thus paving the way for "Ice Cream Man" to reach a wider audience. A significant aspect of the production involved directing a cast primarily composed of child actors in a violent and bloody movie, a challenge Roth elaborated on during his discussion, noting the intricacies of such a unique filming environment. He also touched upon the process of refining the film's conclusion, mentioning how "Ice Cream Man’s" ending evolved during the editing phase to ensure maximum impact and "stick the landing," a crucial element he believes defines successful horror cinema.
Beyond "Ice Cream Man," Roth provided details on his exciting collaboration with rapper and actor Snoop Dogg for their forthcoming horror movie, "Don't Go in That House, Bitch!". Roth explained how the partnership came about and Snoop Dogg's enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the rapper's passion for the horror genre. He also briefly mentioned a massive list of other projects currently in development, hinting at a busy future for the horror maestro, and shared his personal enjoyment of Comic-Con, discussing items he collects.