Horror Maestro Eli Roth Returns to Roots with New Feature

Horror filmmaker Eli Roth, known for sparking debate with his graphic content, is set to release a new movie this summer. This marks a return to the horror genre following his recent, less successful venture.

Roth’s last project was the video game adaptation Borderlands, which was both critically panned and commercially disappointing. Now, two years later, the director of Hostel and The Green Inferno is heading back to the fright flick domain he is famous for.

'The Ice Cream Man' Arrives in Theaters

Fans eager for Roth’s signature brand of gore-splattered cinema have a date to mark. The Horror Section has confirmed the release date for his new film, The Ice Cream Man.

The movie is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on August 7, 2026. The synopsis promises a descent into madness in an idyllic summer town, centered around an ice cream vendor serving terrifying treats to children.

Production Details and Cast Lineup

Roth co-wrote the screenplay for The Ice Cream Man with Noah Belson. He also took on producing duties alongside Kate Harrison of Cream Productions, and will make an appearance in the film.

The score for the movie comes from Brandon Roberts, with additional music contributed by rapper Snoop Dogg. The cast is headlined by Ari Millen from Orphan Black.

Other actors joining the cast include Benjamin Byron Davis, Karen Cliche, Dylan Hawco, Sarah Abbott, Shiloh O’Reilly, Kiori Mirza Waldman, Charlie Zeltzer, and Charlie Storey.

A History of Controversy

Eli Roth first gained widespread notoriety with his 2005 feature, Hostel, a key film in the torture porn subgenre. The movie faced backlash from Slovakia, where the brutal action was set, as residents felt the depiction of their nation as impoverished and violent was offensive.

Roth later defended Hostel, stating he meant no offense and comparing it to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, arguing that film did not negatively impact Texas tourism.

Further controversy arose with The Green Inferno, which paid homage to Italian cannibal films like Cannibal Holocaust. That film drew criticism for its insensitive portrayal of Indigenous peoples.

Beyond cultural insensitivity, Roth’s films frequently face criticism regarding their lack of taste and his overt use of disturbing imagery. While Borderlands represented a shift away from provocation, The Ice Cream Man suggests a return to frightening, and potentially angering, audiences.