AceShowbiz - The horror movie Buddy, which first gained attention at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, is set to receive a wide theatrical release on September 4. Created by Casper Kelly, co-creator of Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell, the film unfolds in the late 1990s and revolves around a peculiar children’s television show named after a humanoid unicorn called Buddy.

As the story progresses, a group of kids living inside the show start to question how they ended up there. Meanwhile, in the real world, a mother discovers she has a mysterious connection to Buddy, leading to increasingly violent and terrifying events that blur the lines between fantasy and reality.

Originally reported by Deadline and later confirmed by studios, Buddy has been acquired for North American release by Roadside Attractions and Saban Films. The film boasts a noteworthy cast led by Cristin Milioti, known for her role in How I Met Your Mother. Milioti plays a central role in the narrative, bringing emotional depth to the intense storyline.

The ensemble cast also features Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key providing the voice of the monstrous Buddy, while Topher Grace, famous from That '70s Show, portrays Milioti’s husband. Adding to the film’s star power are two-time Oscar nominee Michael Shannon, Emmy winner Patton Oswalt, and veteran actor Clint Howard, all of whom play various twisted and anthropomorphic characters within the fictional TV show's universe.

The cast further includes Delaney Quinn from The Roses as Freddy, the leader of the group of kids who become targets of Buddy’s terrifying wrath. The film’s world premiere at Sundance in January 2026 was met with largely positive reviews, and it currently holds a strong 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

In an interview with ScreenRant coinciding with the festival premiere, Casper Kelly shared that his initial inspiration for the film came from Barney the Dinosaur. However, the project evolved to incorporate elements reminiscent of Pee-wee's Playhouse, The Wizard of Oz, and Howdy Doody, blending nostalgic children’s entertainment with dark horror themes to create a unique cinematic experience.

Buddy will be released in a competitive box office window on September 4, facing off against several other new films including David Leitch’s How to Rob a Bank, Mark Wahlberg’s By Any Means, the Ryan Reynolds-led Mayday, and Isla Fisher’s Spa Weekend. It will also compete with holdover titles like Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars and the long-awaited Coyote vs. Acme. The week following its release will see the debut of Practical Magic 2.

Despite the crowded weekend, Buddy benefits from being one of the few horror genre films available during early September. Its star-studded cast and original premise could help it emerge as a sleeper hit, appealing to fans of both horror and nostalgic television references.

The film runs for 95 minutes and was written by Casper Kelly alongside Jamie King. It is produced by Tyler Davidson, J.D. Lifshitz, Drew Sykes, and Raphael Margules, with Tracy Rosenblum serving as executive producer.

With its intriguing blend of horror and childhood nostalgia, Buddy promises to deliver a blood-soaked nightmare that explores both the innocence and darkness lurking behind children’s programming. Fans of Cristin Milioti and innovative horror films should mark their calendars for its September 4 theatrical release.