A new original horror feature based on the work of R.L. Stine is set to premiere on Tubi in 2027, Variety has exclusively reported. The film, titled “Afraid of Clowns,” marks the third collaboration between the streaming platform and the prolific “Goosebumps” author.
The cast includes Frankie Honey, Ava Ferrer, Azriel Dalman, Joe Moore, and Jimbo, the winner of Season 8 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” The story follows Frankie, who becomes convinced that a mysterious clown troupe led by Ringmaster Rollo is targeting her younger brother after they arrive in the town of Redhaven. Suspecting the circus group is linked to a child disappearance from years past, Frankie enlists her friends to investigate and prevent another abduction.
This release continues a successful partnership between Tubi and Stine. The streamer previously aired “R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead” in October 2025, with its sequel, “Pumpkinhead 2,” scheduled to debut on Oct. 9.
Adam Lewinson, chief content officer at Tubi, highlighted the author’s enduring impact on the genre. “R.L. Stine has been the first taste of fear for legions of fans — and the beginning of a lifelong love of horror,” Lewinson said. “Tubi’s collection of R.L. Stine movies gives longtime fans more of the stories that sparked their imaginations, while welcoming new audiences to the thrill of being scared.”
Stine commented on the project’s unique twist on a classic nightmare trigger: “Clowns have been scaring kids long before I ever got to them — I just gave them a reason to be afraid of the ones in Redhaven.”
Jem Garrard, who wrote and directed the previous “Pumpkinhead” entries, returns to serve as both writer and director for this installment. The film is produced by Front Street Pictures, with James Mattagne, Joan Waricha, Harvey Kahn, Yvonne Bernard, Dan Bernard, Garrard, Allen Lewis, and Rama Diallo credited as producers.
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