Full Breakdown
Eli Roth's The Horror Section Announces Slasher Film “Stiletto” for Halloween Release
6/25/2026, 2:38:43 AM
Stiletto Slasher Set for Halloween Release
“Stiletto” is a slasher film that follows a serial killer who, on the anniversary of an exotic dancer’s murder, stalks performers to add their shoes to a collection. The premise blends classic slasher tropes with a fetish-driven twist.
Production and Financing
Former exotic dancer Gigi Gustin independently financed the film, describing “high-interest loans and selling my clothes and furniture” to fund production. She co-wrote the script with director Samuel Gonzalez Jr. and produced it with Eli Roth under The Horror Section. The collaboration builds on Gustin’s prior work with Gonzalez Jr., who directed *The Plastic Men* and *The Retaliators*. The cast includes Charlotte McKinney, Colleen Camp, Meghan Carrasquillo, Stephen Blackehart, Hannah Hueston, and Pancho Moller (spelled “Moler” in one source).
Release Details
The film opens wide in U.S. theaters on October 30, 2026, timed for Halloween. The Horror Section lists the release as “nationwide” but provides no screen-count. The same slate also includes *Ice Cream Man*, slated for August 7, 2026.
Official Statements
Eli Roth called the film “the most fun, original and exciting slasher” he has seen, noting its blend of classic horror with fresh ideas. Gustin emphasized the personal financial risk she took to realize the project. Gonzalez Jr. said *Stiletto* aims to deliver a “communal rush” and described it as a “seductive neon fever dream soaked in blood.”
Criticism & Skepticism
Dread Central warned readers to “take it with a grain of salt,” suggesting the film must meet the high expectations set by Roth’s praise. The outlet expressed hope that the final product will satisfy audiences.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the spelling of the lead’s surname (“Gustin” vs. “Gustion”) and on the supporting actor’s name (“Pancho Moller” vs. “Pancho Moler”). No independent reviews, box-office forecasts, or test-screen data are available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Of all the horror sub-genres, there’s none more beloved than the slasher, and also the hardest to create something that feels original and genre-defining,” — Eli Roth
- “Dollar by dollar, night after night, through high-interest loans and selling my clothes and furniture, I was finally able to make STILETTO happen with a dedicated cast and crew who believed in it,” — Gigi Gustin
- “I’ve always believed in stories that show up in heels and don’t apologize for taking up space,” — Gigi Gustin
- “STILETTO was built for that kind of communal rush. I wanted to create a slasher film that felt like a seductive neon fever dream soaked in blood, obsession, and atmosphere - something savagely sexy, cinematic, and impossible to look away from. Seeing it finally hit theaters this Halloween feels surreal because we poured so much passion, style, and heart into crafting this nightmare world. My hope is that audiences lose themselves in it for 90 minutes and walk out feeling like they survived something together.” — Samuel Gonzalez Jr.
Upcoming Promotion
Trailers and press tours are planned for summer 2026, followed by the August release of *Ice Cream Man*. The Horror Section will add marketing events leading up to the Halloween opening to position *Stiletto* as a seasonal slasher highlight.
