The stars of Nosferatu and Smile 2 top our list of horror’s new ‘Scream Kings’

As a connoisseur of all things spine-tingling and heart-stopping, I find myself captivated by the remarkable journeys of these modern-day horror maestros. Justin Long has proven his versatility, transitioning from on-screen terror to behind-the-scenes chills with panache. His transformation from a sleazy actor to a Scream King in the making is nothing short of inspiring, even if he might question his regality himself.


Leading our ‘Scream Kings’ roster are Bill Skarsgård, Kyle Gallner, Dan Stevens, and Daniel Kaluuya. These actors have become go-to figures in the horror genre, consistently starring in significant terrifying films. It appears they are dedicated to spreading chills throughout the masses.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always admired how ‘Scream Queens’ have kept the horror genre thriving for ages. Among these fearless ladies, Jamie Lee Curtis stands out the most, thanks to her unforgettable roles in Halloween, The Fog, Prom Night, and Terror Train. You could say she’s the queen of survival in these films.

Barbara Crampton, Dee Wallace, Heather Langenkamp, and Neve Campbell continued in the tradition set by a previous horror queen. The latest crop of “Scream Queens” now includes Samara Weaving, Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, and Melissa Barrera.

However, they face rivalry since another band of men have emerged, leading roles in horror films as both protagonists (Final Boys) and antagonists, portraying a wide range from heroes to villains, and victims, while some are even stepping behind the camera to direct these chilling productions.

Kyle Gallner

The stars of Nosferatu and Smile 2 top our list of horror’s new ‘Scream Kings’

Kyle Gallner has made a significant mark among the emerging group of “Scream Kings”, gracing some of the most intriguing and critically-admired horror films from recent years.

Initially, Gallner gained fame as Cassidy ‘Beaver’ Casablancas in Veronica Mars, and subsequently appeared in numerous television shows. Later, he began securing roles in notable genre films such as Jennifer’s Body, Red State, and the remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street.

In the past few years, Gallner has significantly elevated his acting career, starring as Vince in the 2022 Scream movie and as Joel in the hit films Smile and Smile 2. However, it’s his role as ‘The Demon’ in Strange Darling that truly stands out, offering a memorable performance and solidifying his status as a true horror genre titan.

Daniel Kaluuya

The stars of Nosferatu and Smile 2 top our list of horror’s new ‘Scream Kings’

In the realm of gangster films, we find Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. On the other hand, in horror movies, Jordan Peele and Daniel Kaluuya have established themselves, thanks to the tremendous successes of “Get Out” (with a worldwide gross of $255 million) and “Nope” ($172 million).

However, these collaborations weren’t his initial ventures into the frightening realm; on television, he had previously portrayed ‘Tealeaf’ in the horror sitcom Psychoville, made an appearance in the second episode of Black Mirror, and took on a chilling role in the miniseries The Fades.

Due to his collaboration with Peele, Kaluuya’s fame grew to a level recognized in every household. Even during the filming of Get Out, the director expressed his desire for Kaluuya to continue working with him, saying “You need to be in the future projects too, man!” Here’s to hoping that their cinematic adventure is only just beginning.

Justin Long

The stars of Nosferatu and Smile 2 top our list of horror’s new ‘Scream Kings’

Justin Long, who’s had a long career in the horror genre, is now venturing into writing and directing roles as well. This versatility positions him as a formidable talent in three areas – acting, writing, and directing – making him a triple force to be reckoned with.

Initially appearing in the Jeepers Creepers film series, he later starred in Drag Me to Hell and Tusk at the cinema, and made appearances in Creepshow and Goosebumps on television. Notably, his portrayal of a particularly seedy character in Barbarian was exceptionally memorable.

Currently, he’s switching roles from being in front of the camera to behind it, collaborating with his brother Christian on the ‘Fur Babies’ segment of V/H/S Beyond. When asked about his affection for the genre during filming by Entertainment Weekly, Justin expressed, “I really enjoy it.” However, when Christian referred to him as the ‘Scream King’ in the same interview, Justin humorously questioned his royal status, saying, “I’m not sure if I’m regal enough… am I old enough to be a king?

Josh Ruben

The stars of Nosferatu and Smile 2 top our list of horror’s new ‘Scream Kings’

Josh Ruben demonstrates versatility as a triple talent, penning, directing, and acting in his own horror films, all while captivating audiences with his performances on-screen.

Among his creations, Scare Package offers a fresh twist on ghost stories reminiscent of campfires, and Werewolves Within is an amusing interpretation based on the widely recognized video game.

In his acting roles, Josh Ruben consistently shines, particularly in 2022 where he showcased his talent as a captivating wild character in the serial killer thriller “A Wounded Fawn” and an even more intriguing character in the vampire movie “Blood Relatives”. With the latest trailer for “The Creep Tapes”, it’s clear that he is set to be ‘Peachfuzzed’. If you’re a fan of horror and haven’t seen Josh Ruben’s work, it’s high time you check it out.

Bill Skarsgård

The stars of Nosferatu and Smile 2 top our list of horror’s new ‘Scream Kings’

Following Tim Curry in any role, particularly as Pennywise in “It,” is a challenging job for any actor. However, Bill Skarsgård took on this tough assignment when he agreed to portray the ‘Dancing Clown’ in not one, but two major films.

As a fervent admirer, I must say that the Swedish sensation took the stage spectacularly by venturing onto uncharted territories. While his Pennywise may not be as comical as Curry’s portrayal, he undeniably delivers chills that are equally intense. Ever since then, he hasn’t hesitated to move forward, gracing us with his presence in the thrilling Barbarian, and daringly stepping into the superhero horror realm in the long-awaited The Crow reboot.

In the upcoming role, he will appear as Count Orlok in Robert Eggers’ modern take on Nosferatu. Meanwhile, in 2025, you can catch Bill reprising his character with makeup once more for the television prequel titled “Welcome to Derry,” where he takes on Pennywise again.

Dan Stevens

The stars of Nosferatu and Smile 2 top our list of horror’s new ‘Scream Kings’

Initially, Dan Stevens gained traction through television versions of gothic books like ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Dracula’. However, his recognition skyrocketed when he starred in ‘Downton Abbey’, a series that stands in stark contrast to the genres he previously worked with.

After departing from the period dramas, his IMDb profile now showcases a collection of horror and related films such as The Guest, Colossal, The Apostle, and The Rental.

This year, he’s been part of the entertaining duo, Abigail and Cuckoo, along with Godzilla x Kong, a blockbuster film. Additionally, Stevens has made an appearance on TV series The Terror, and recently finished shooting a horror movie titled The Ritual. Therefore, we can expect more horror roles from him in the future.

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2024-10-25 14:19