Eli Roth's Terrifying New Horror Show: An Unsettling Blend of Scooby-Doo, Goosebumps, and Childhood Nightmares

Summary

Fright Krewe draws inspiration from Scooby-Doo and Goosebumps to create a spooky animated series for kids and older viewers alike.

Unlike Scooby-Doo, the show showcases authentic monsters instead of individuals disguised in masks, leaning more towards the horror genre akin to Goosebumps.

By blending humor and genuine frights, Fright Krewe possesses the capability to carry on the traditions of both Scooby-Doo and Goosebumps for contemporary viewers.

Eli Roth, known for his work in the horror genre, is expanding into more family-friendly territory with his new show, Fright Krewe. Inspired by iconic shows like Scooby-Doo and Goosebumps, Fright Krewe, co-created with James Frey, centers around a group of teenagers in New Orleans who accidentally awaken an ancient demon. To stop him, they must harness the special powers granted to them by the mystical Loa. Produced by DreamWorks Animation, Fright Krewe is set to have a unique dual release on Hulu and Peacock, just in time for Halloween.

Screen Rant had an exclusive interview with Eli Roth, ahead of the show's premiere, to discuss Fright Krewe. When asked about the show's concept, Roth explained that he and Frey wanted to create something that was both thrilling and appropriate for younger audiences. Drawing from their childhood love for Scooby-Doo, they felt there was a lack of scary yet age-appropriate content on television. Their goal was to provide a gateway into the horror genre for both older viewers and their kids. Here's what Roth had to say:

Eli Roth: Strangely enough, this all began in 2015, even before House with a Clock in Its Walls. James, a dear and talented writer who happens to be a good friend of mine, and I sat down and discussed the lack of scary content available for kids. We reminisced about Scooby-Doo, the ultimate show for that genre, and how there wasn't anything animated and eerie that left a lasting impression on us, like those after-school or Saturday morning episodes of Scooby-Doo where they tackled haunted houses. It was so much fun to watch those cool teenagers solve mysteries without any parental assistance, cruising around in their groovy van. We had a thought: "What if we could create a show where children unravel supernatural enigmas in New Orleans, our very own Scooby-Doo or Goosebumps? Perhaps it could be an animated series, complemented by a collection of books or something along those lines." We wanted to establish a world that catered to kids but was also enjoyable and offered life lessons on friendship, courage, and other great aspects hidden within a chilling tale. It took years to bring this idea to fruition, but we couldn't have asked for a better team, crew, or the incredible DreamWorks Animation studio, followed by the release of our show on Hulu and Peacock. Our showrunners, Kristine Songco and Joanna Lewis, along with director Shane Acker, have been exceptional. And let's not forget about our amazing cast – the end result completely exceeded our initial expectations. We simply adored the concept of a spooky series set in the captivating atmosphere of New Orleans, albeit with one crucial twist – in our series, the monsters had to be real.

Fright Krewe Can Carry On Scooby-Doo & Goosebumps' Legacies

Fright Krewe's setup draws initial parallels to beloved pop culture icons like Scooby-Doo and Buffy the Vampire Slayer as it revolves around a tight-knit clique of teenagers battling otherworldly menaces. However, departing from the classic formula, Roth and Frey's creation dares to pit their youthful heroes against authentic monstrous beings rather than mere individuals disguising themselves as such.

The distinct feature that sets Fright Krewe apart from Scooby-Doo and aligns it more closely with R.L. Stine's beloved Goosebumps franchise is its embrace of true horror. While not intended to traumatize younger viewers, the show doesn't hold back either, particularly when it comes to its main antagonist, Belial. Throughout season 1, this demonic figure primarily appears as a menacing cloud-like apparition, posing a significant threat to the main characters as it feeds on fear in an attempt to regain its power.

With its skillful fusion of lighthearted humor and genuinely frightening moments, Fright Krewe appears ready to carry on the legacies of both Scooby-Doo and Goosebumps for contemporary audiences. While it can be argued that both franchises are still ongoing, with new adaptations in the works, such as the upcoming Goosebumps show premiering on Disney+ in October, Roth and Frey have managed to create something fresh that, if it resonates with its intended viewers, has the potential to evolve into an entirely new entity.

Fright Krewe is now available to stream on Hulu and Peacock!