Freddy Carter, Lulu Wilson film *Do Not Open* in Texas
Freddy Carter, Lulu Wilson, and Mark McKenna are filming *Do Not Open*, a sci-fi horror movie in Texas, with a 2025 release planned. The film reflects horror's shift toward high-concept, studio-backed
Freddy Carter, Lulu Wilson, and Mark McKenna are now filming *Do Not Open*, a sci-fi horror movie in Texas. The trio—known for roles in *Five Nights a
Read Full Story at Deadline Hollywood →Why This Matters
The casting of rising genre stars Freddy Carter, Lulu Wilson, and Mark McKenna in *Do Not Open* signals a deliberate strategy to merge prestige talent with high-concept horror, a trend that could redefine how the genre is perceived by mainstream audiences and award voters alike. The film’s Texas-based production also underscores the state’s growing role as a hub for large-scale genre filmmaking, where tax incentives and diverse shooting locations are luring major studios away from traditional Hollywood hotspots.
Background Context
Sci-fi horror has long lived in the shadow of its more commercially dominant cousins, but the past decade has seen a gradual shift as studios experiment with hybrid genres to capitalize on franchise-building potential. Texas, meanwhile, has quietly become a critical player in this space, with its film commission aggressively courting productions through rebates and streamlined permitting—even as political tensions over abortion and LGBTQ+ rights threaten to complicate its reputation as a welcoming filming destination.
What Happens Next
If *Do Not Open* delivers a box-office hit or critical acclaim, it could accelerate a wave of mid-budget sci-fi horror projects from studios eager to replicate its formula, particularly as streaming platforms continue to cannibalize traditional horror releases. The film’s release in 2025 will also serve as a bellwether for whether audiences are still hungry for theatrical horror experiences post-pandemic, especially in a market dominated by superhero spectacles. Keep an eye on early test screenings and marketing campaigns to gauge its trajectory.
Bigger Picture
This project fits into a broader pattern of horror cinema increasingly adopting the production values and narrative ambition of blockbusters, a shift that mirrors the genre’s cultural ascent from niche thrills to a dominant force in pop culture. The inclusion of stars like Carter and Wilson—who already have legions of dedicated fanbases—suggests that horror is no longer just a training ground for actors but a viable path to mainstream recognition, one that studios are betting will translate into franchise potential.
