Clown in a Cornfield Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need to Know
When the dark secrets of a small town come to light, no one is safe from the painted smile that hides in the rustling corn stalks. The follow‑up that everyone has been holding their breath for — Clown in a Cornfield, adapted from Adam Cesare’s book of the same name — slashed its way into theaters on May 9, 2025.
Directed by Eli Craig (Tucker & Dale vs. Evil), the slasher transforms the sleepy town of Kettle Springs into a battleground between tradition and rebellion. Katie Douglas leads as Quinn Maybrook, a teen caught in a blood-drenched conflict after moving to town with her father.
Clown in a Cornfield’s Release Date
Clown in a Cornfield premiered at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 10, 2025, before its theatrical release on May 9, 2025, in the United States. Filming wrapped in Winnipeg, Canada, from September 18 to October 23, 2023.
Most international markets received the movie by July 2025. A strong early marketing campaign included teaser posters (January) and a trailer (February), revealing the eerie setting and a glimpse of the sinister Frendo.
Clown in a Cornfield’s Plot Summary
In the collapsing Midwestern town of Kettle Springs, tension brews between older locals and the town’s teens after a tragic fire at the Baypen Corn Syrup Factory. The town mascot, Frendo the Clown, once a cheery symbol of commerce, becomes the mask of a murderer when a killer dons the costume and begins targeting teenagers.
Quinn Maybrook, having moved to Kettle Springs for a fresh start with her father, quickly finds herself in the middle of this deadly conflict. As bodies pile up, Quinn uncovers disturbing secrets buried deep in the town’s past — secrets tied to the fire, Frendo, and the dark heart of Kettle Springs.
Themes explored include:
- The deadly clash between progress and tradition
- Intergenerational conflict
- The consequences of suppressing change
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Clown in a Cornfield’s Cast
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Katie Douglas | Quinn Maybrook | A teenager who recently moved to Kettle Springs |
| Aaron Abrams | Dr. Maybrook | Quinn’s father, a local doctor |
| Carson MacCormac | Cole | Local teen who befriends Quinn |
| Kevin Durand | Arthur Hill | Mysterious man tied to the factory |
| Will Sasso | Sheriff Dunne | Local sheriff investigating the murders |
| Vincent Muller | Rust | A high school student in the middle of the chaos |
| Cassandra Potenza | Janet | One of Quinn’s new friends |
| Daina Leitold | Trudy | Longtime town resident |
| Verity Marks | Ronnie | Student drawn into the conflict |
| Ayo Solanke | Tucker | A teen who challenges the town’s norms |
| Alexandre Martin Deakin | Matt | Community member and student |
Behind the Screams
The film rights were secured even before the novel’s publication. Temple Hill Entertainment, known for films such as “Smile” and “The Twilight Saga,” partnered with Rhea Films to bring the horror tale to life.
Eli Craig, alongside screenwriter Carter Blanchard, adapted the novel while preserving its themes of decay and generational friction. Craig also wove in horror-comedy elements, delivering sharp tension and twisted humor.
Filming Location: Winnipeg, chosen for its sprawling rural landscapes and believable small-town atmosphere.
Production Design: Created by Trevor Smith, who reimagined the burned Baypen factory and Kettle Springs.
Cinematography: Brian Pearson employed contrasting lighting, using warm tones early on, and shifting to bold reds and chilling shadows.
Music Score: Brandon Roberts and Marcus Trumpp composed a score that blends classic horror tones with warped carnival music, transforming Frendo’s theme from joyful to terrifying.
Clown in a Cornfield’s Where to Watch
- Theatrical Release: May 9, 2025 (United States)
- Premium Digital Release: June 10, 2025
- Streaming on Shudder: August 8, 2025
The movie will be distributed by various partners worldwide, with localized release windows.
Clown in a Cornfield’s Box Office Performance
- Budget: $1 million
- Global Gross: $10.2 million
- $7.2 million (domestic)
- $3 million (international)
- Opening Weekend: $3.6 million
- Largest debut for RLJE Films to date
Festival Buzz & Reception
Premiering at SXSW, the film was praised for embracing classic slasher DNA while layering in modern relevance.
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Notable Highlights:
- Critics admired its chaotic energy more than its exposition.
- Audience reactions were strong, especially among horror fans craving a fresh slasher.
- Rotten Tomatoes holds the film at around 74% approval.
- Frendo has already drawn comparisons to Pennywise (from It) and Art the Clown (from Terrifier), hinting at long-term potential as a horror icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clown in a Cornfield based on a true story?
No. It’s based on a fictional horror novel by Adam Cesare.
How scary is it?
It’s a classic R-rated slasher with brutal kills, suspense, and streaks of black comedy. Expect jump scares, gore, and creepy cornfield sequences.
Will there be sequels?
There are no confirmed film sequels yet, but two official novel sequels exist:
- Clown in a Cornfield: Frendo Lives
- Clown in a Cornfield: Nineteen Hands
A fourth novel, Clown in a Cornfield 4: Lights, Camera, Frendo!, is reportedly in development.
How close is the movie to the book?
The movie remains faithful, though some relationships and events were adjusted for pacing and visual impact.
Who plays Frendo the Clown?
This detail remains unconfirmed. The mystery behind the mask is central to the film’s suspense.
Final Thoughts
Clown in a Cornfield delivers old-school slasher thrills with a modern pulse. Through strong direction, unsettling visuals, and a sharp cast, the film doesn’t just evoke fear — it delves deep into small-town decay and the consequences that arise when a community refuses to change.
As it shifts to streaming, horror fans everywhere can finally venture into the corn… and face the painted grin that lurks between the stalks.
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