Buddy Horror-Comedy Set for August 28 Theatrical Release

Roadside Attractions will launch *Buddy*, a horror-comedy directed by Casper Kelly, in U.S. theaters on Friday, August 28. The film, which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, follows a bright orange unicorn who hosts a children’s television program called “It’s Buddy!” The premise turns dark when a child refuses to participate, prompting the unicorn’s mood to shift and the seemingly perfect world to unravel. The cast includes Cristin Milioti, Keegan-Michael Key (voicing Buddy), Topher Grace, Delaney Quinn, Patton Oswalt, Michael Shannon, and additional performers such as Tristan Borders and Clint Howard. Kelly co-wrote the script with Jamie King and is joined by a slate of producers and executive producers listed in the film’s credits.

Hollywood ReporterIndieWireGizmodo

Casper Kelly gained notoriety for the viral Adult Swim short “Too Many Cooks” (2014) and has since built a niche in meta-horror, blending nostalgic media aesthetics with subversive violence. Prior projects include the “Fun Size” segment of *V/H/S/Halloween* and the 2024 sequel to *Adult Swim Yule Log*. Critics note that *Buddy* expands Kelly’s signature style onto a larger cinematic canvas, merging meticulous set design reminiscent of 1980s-1990s children’s programming with increasingly graphic horror set pieces.

IndieWire

A press release describes the film’s world: “Remember BUDDY—the bright orange unicorn and star of that classic childrens’ television show who brought joy and life lessons into your living room?” It adds that within “It’s Buddy!” children “spend their days singing, dancing, and helping Buddy spread happiness. But when one child refuses to play along, Buddy is not pleased and cracks begin to appear in this seemingly perfect world.”

Gizmodo

Early reviews acknowledge the film’s ambition. David Rooney of *The Hollywood Reporter* notes the movie “stretches its sketch-comedy idea to feature length by upping the gore and the demented detours but doesn’t go far enough to be as extreme or disturbing as it wants to be.” He also cites “the inspired voice work of Keegan-Michael Key as the title character” as the film’s strongest element. IndieWire’s Sundance review calls the result “electric,” while also suggesting the film may not fully satisfy viewers seeking deeper terror.

Hollywood Reporter

• “stretches its sketch-comedy idea to feature length by upping the gore and the demented detours but doesn’t go far enough to be as extreme or disturbing as it wants to be.” — David Rooney, chief film critic, *The Hollywood Reporter*

Hollywood Reporter

• “biggest plus is the inspired voice work of Keegan-Michael Key as the title character.” — David Rooney, *The Hollywood Reporter*

Hollywood Reporter

• “Remember BUDDY—the bright orange unicorn and star of that classic childrens’ television show who brought joy and life lessons into your living room?” — press release

Gizmodo

• “ The review continued, “His new film ‘Buddy’ gives Kelly the chance to play all of those hits on the biggest canvas of his career.” — IndieWire Sundance review

IndieWire