AceShowbiz - R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead is returning with a highly anticipated sequel, scheduled to premiere exclusively on Tubi this October 2026. Following the success of the original film, which was part of Tubi’s "Terror on Tubi" programming and helped boost viewing hours by 51% compared to the previous year, the follow-up promises to dive deeper into the eerie world of Redhaven.

The first film introduced audiences to the unsettling agricultural town of Redhaven, where the harvest seemingly never ends and a sinister curse looms. Unlike the 1988 Stan Winston horror film of the same name, R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead focuses on a unique blend of folk horror and supernatural suspense. The story centered on two brothers, Sam and Finn, who move to Redhaven with their widowed mother. Their struggles to fit in quickly escalate after a frightening encounter with a local farmer obsessed with his prize pumpkins. Sam steals one of these pumpkins, sparking a dark chain of events when Finn attempts to return it but mysteriously disappears, as if he never existed.

Sam teams up with Becka, a new friend, and Rusty, the town’s eccentric outcast, to unravel the mystery of Finn’s disappearance and confront the town’s terrifying curse before it claims them as well. The cast of the original film boasts familiar faces including Kevin McNulty (Schmigadoon!), Bob Frazer (Falling Skies), Matty Finochio (Riverdale), and Seth Isaac Johnson (My Old Ass), alongside newcomers Beau Reid and Adeline Lo who portray Sam and Becka.

The sequel will return viewers to Redhaven, continuing the story with a fresh perspective. This time, the plot revolves around Evan, a bullied young boy who discovers an ancient spellbook. His accidental unleashing of a malevolent force threatens to disrupt the town’s annual Harvest Festival. The festival becomes a nightmare as gourd-headed ghouls rise from the grave, bringing chaos and horror to the community. The town's salvation may rest in the hands of a misunderstood witch, an outcast like Evan. This new chapter is crafted to maintain the Halloween spirit with a classic tale of children trapped inside a pumpkin, as highlighted by YA horror author R.L. Stine, who expressed excitement about continuing the Pumpkinhead saga on Tubi.

The creative force behind both films is Jem Garrard, who serves as writer and director. Garrard previously made waves with the drag queen horror film Slay and brings a unique vision to the Pumpkinhead series. The original film was adapted from a short story by R.L. Stine first published in the 1999 horror anthology Nightmare Hour, and had earlier been adapted as an episode of The Haunting Hour starring Kacey Rohl.

Production for the sequel includes an executive team featuring Jem Garrard, James Mattagne, Joan Waricha, Harvey Kahn, Yvonne Bernard, Dan Bernard, Allen Lewis, and Rama Diallo. Their combined expertise is expected to deliver a chilling continuation of the Pumpkinhead mythos, tailored for fans of atmospheric horror and supernatural thrillers.

Fans eager to stay informed about the sequel can subscribe to dedicated newsletters offering updates on the film’s plot developments, cast announcements, creative team insights, and streaming availability. This curated coverage will also highlight relevant horror-streaming news, ensuring genre enthusiasts remain connected to the latest happenings surrounding R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead.

The sequel’s release on Tubi in October 2026 aligns with the streamer’s successful strategy of curating seasonal horror content, further cementing its position as a destination for genre fans seeking fresh and engaging fright-filled experiences. With the original film’s strong reception and the sequel’s promising premise, anticipation is high for another memorable entry in the Pumpkinhead series.

Stay tuned to Collider for ongoing updates and detailed coverage of the upcoming sequel, as well as other news related to horror streaming and seasonal programming. The return of R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead is shaping up to be a must-watch event for horror aficionados this Halloween season.