The audience-controlled interactive horror film 'Slay Day' is scheduled for a theatrical debut in fall 2026 from Kino Industries' CtrlMovie. Viewers will vote on key decisions via smartphones, leading to over 20 unique endings and transforming the slasher genre into a participatory experience. Following theaters, it will release on gaming platforms like Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Overview
'Slay Day' marks the directorial debut of John David Buxton and reimagines the slasher formula through interactive storytelling. Set on Friday the 13th, 1987, in the idyllic town of Belle Falls, the plot follows six teens gearing up for the Sadie Hawkins dance. When the town unearths the body of the original Sadie Hawkins to probe her killing spree from 50 years prior, a malevolent force awakens, putting the night in peril.
Cast and Crew
The film stars Jayden Bartels ('Goosebumps'), Shelby Simmons ('Bunk'd'), Emma McNulty ('FBI: Most Wanted'), Caleb Brown ('Mother's Day'), Luke Mullen ('V/H/S/99'), Corrado Martini ('Circles'), and Lyndon Smith ('National Treasure: Edge of History'). Casting was handled by Danielle Aufiero and Amber Horn of Aufiero/Horn.
Andrew Matisziw ('Goliath,' 'The Firm') wrote the screenplay. Producers include Mark Dragin ('Law & Order'), Michael Kagan ('Night Patrol'), and Scott C. Silver ('The Pyramid'). Executive producers are Eric Schneider, Angela Kay, and Chaz Barsamian. BasePoint Capital is financing the project under its deal with CtrlMovie.
Interactive Elements and Production
Audiences will collectively vote on critical decisions using smartphones, ensuring no two screenings are identical—some may end with a 'Final Girl' surviving, others with total annihilation. As Buxton explained, "Horror has always been about participation—yelling at the screen, covering your eyes, daring the killer to come closer. 'Slay Day' turns that instinct into action."
Silver added, "It's not just a movie, it's a new theatrical experience where every decision ripples through the story in real time." The film was shot in Utah, praised by Kagan for its crew, infrastructure, and diverse locations: "Utah was the ideal place to make this film." Buxton is represented by attorney Jesse Nord at The Nord Group, with Chaz Barsamian handling production counsel.