The intersection between horror and social media is an increasingly popular theme in film, and Ryan Kavanaugh’s GenTv is taking it to the next level with Skillhouse, a gripping exploration of clout culture pushed to its most sinister limits. Starring Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, alongside social media influencers Bryce Hall and Hannah Stocking (boasting a combined social following exceeding 100 million), Skillhouse has been generating significant buzz among horror aficionados and cultural commentators.
With a nationwide release set for July 11 via Fathom Entertainment, this thriller promises to be a polarizing yet terrifying ride for fans of the genre. Here’s everything horror lovers should know about the movie, its premise, and why it’s sparking conversations everywhere.
clout is currency—and survival
The premise of Skillhouse is as wild as it is topical. The film follows a group of ten influencers who are lured into a luxury mansion known as a “content house.” Once inside, they’re thrust into a series of lethal, blood-soaked social media challenges. For these characters, maintaining their clout isn’t just about fame—it’s a matter of survival.
With stakes that reflect the addictive, life-consuming nature of social platforms, the narrative takes a unique spin on what it means to achieve relevancy in the digital age. Prepare for a dark satire exposing the extremes some will go to for likes, views, and viral moments.
“We wanted Skillhouse to be more than just a horror film,” says producer Ryan Kavanaugh, founder of GenTv. “This project reflects the times we’re living in, leveraging the power of influencers while immersing viewers in their world. It’s thought-provoking, terrifying, and entirely relevant.”
The film offers an intriguing mix of life-or-death stakes with commentary on the larger social implications of online obsession, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.
a cast blurring the lines between horror and reality
One of the defining characteristics of Skillhouse is its cast, which blends big names from Hollywood with real-life social media stars who bring authenticity to the influencer-focused storyline.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson steps into a leading role, adding another layer to his repertoire of acting and producing hits (like Power and Escape Plan). Known for his gritty performances and larger-than-life presence, Jackson seems ideally suited to deliver a chillingly commanding turn.
Joining him are Bryce Hall and Hannah Stocking, both recognizable figures from platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Shooting the film in Sway House, one of TikTok’s original creator mansions, adds an eerie realism to the production. The setting itself mirrors the aspirational yet pressure-filled environments that dominate influencer culture.
Rounding out the cast are veterans like Neal McDonough (Yellowstone, Captain America), McCarrie McCausland (The Originals), and Paige VanZant, a combat sports fighter and celebrity influencer. This mix of experienced actors and real-life influencers ensures an exciting balance of talent while appealing to a broad, horror-hungry audience.
behind the camera
The terrifying mind behind Skillhouse is Josh Stolberg, known for his work on the Saw franchise (Saw X, Jigsaw). Stolberg’s knack for crafting innovative, high-stakes scenarios loaded with blood-curdling tension makes him a perfect fit for this project. His expertise in blending visceral horror with twisted psychological games ensures the movie is as intellectually stimulating as it is spine-chilling.
The collaboration between Stolberg, Ryan Kavanaugh, and 50 Cent promises a polished final product that’s both entertaining and uniquely unsettling, leveraging the talents of all three to explore fresh terrain in modern horror.
breaking barriers in horror marketing
Kavanaugh and the GenTv team have taken a bold, innovative approach to marketing Skillhouse. Dropping the movie’s first eight minutes for free on GenTv.com racked up 100 million views in 2024, rivaling films with blockbuster marketing budgets.
This direct engagement with online audiences mirrors the film’s themes, harnessing social media’s algorithm-driven power to build anticipation. It speaks volumes about the evolving role of influencers and digital platforms in shaping entertainment consumption.
“Horror has always been a genre that captivates moviegoers, but Skillhouse is unlike anything we’ve distributed before,” notes Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment. He highlights the film’s exploration of social media culture as a fresh and timely concept that resonates with Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
high-profile summer competition
Releasing on July 11, Skillhouse will hit theaters on the same day as James Gunn’s much-anticipated Superman reboot from Warner Bros. While facing superhero-scale competition, Skillhouse carves out its niche by tapping into a unique blend of horror, satire, and cultural critique.
Its exploration of influencer culture, coupled with gruesome stakes, may offer an intriguing alternative for moviegoers seeking something darker and more provocative this summer.
why horror fans should take note
Skillhouse arrives at an interesting cultural moment. With social media’s overwhelming influence on society, combined with the increasing crossover between mainstream entertainment and online creators, the film feels both timely and chillingly relevant. It takes core horror themes—paranoia, survival, and morality—and drops them into the digital wild west.
Whether you’re watching for the gruesome thrills or the commentary on today’s clout-chasing culture, Skillhouse is designed to spark conversations long after the final credits roll.
For horror fans seeking inventive, conversation-starting films, this one might not be worth scrolling past.
