The wait is almost over for horror fans looking for their next big screen scare. 20th Century Studios has officially locked in the release date for Psycho Killer, the upcoming horror-thriller starring Georgina Campbell, and new footage has been released to build anticipation. With tickets already on sale, here is everything you need to know about the film from the writer of Se7en and the producers behind Barbarian.
Psycho Killer Release Date and Theater Information
Psycho Killer is scheduled to arrive in theaters on February 20, 2026. The film will be distributed by 20th Century Studios in the United States and is set for a wide release across North America .
For global audiences, Constantin Film is handling distribution in Germany, and the movie is expected to roll out in international markets through various distributors in the weeks following its US debut . While a specific UK release date has not been announced yet, it is expected to align closely with the US launch or arrive shortly after through conventional distribution channels.
Tickets for the US release went on sale starting February 9, 2026, giving fans plenty of time to secure their seats for opening weekend . The studio has also released a new clip and TV spot to give audiences a better look at what is waiting for them on the big screen .
What Is Psycho Killer About?
The official synopsis for Psycho Killer follows a law enforcement officer pushed to her limits by personal tragedy.
The story centers on Georgina Campbell as a Kansas highway patrol officer. After her husband is brutally murdered, she takes matters into her own hands and sets out to track down the person responsible. As she gets deeper into the investigation, she realizes the man she is hunting is no ordinary criminal. He is a sadistic serial killer with a twisted mindset and an agenda far more disturbing than anyone could have imagined .
The killer, played by James Preston Rogers, is referred to in the film as the Satanic Slasher. According to reports, this character has already terrorized at least 16 victims across six states, making him a terrifying force to be reckoned with .
New footage released in early February 2026 shows the killer inside a motel room calmly watching news coverage of his own crimes. The clip builds tension by showing how ordinary he appears on the surface while hinting at the darkness inside. Another TV spot highlights some of the film’s most intense sequences, giving horror fans a taste of what is to come .
Psycho Killer Cast: Who Is Starring in the Film?
The cast brings together a mix of rising talent and established genre favorites.
Georgina Campbell leads the film as Jane Thorne, the highway patrol officer seeking justice for her husband’s murder. Campbell is no stranger to horror audiences. She starred in the critically acclaimed Barbarian, which also came from the same producing team behind this new project. Her performance in that film earned her widespread recognition, and fans have been eager to see her return to the genre .
James Preston Rogers takes on the role of the Satanic Slasher, the film’s primary antagonist. Rogers previously appeared in the horror-comedy The Blackening, and this role casts him in a much darker light. Playing a serial killer with such a disturbing presence requires a specific kind of performance, and early glimpses suggest he fully commits to the terror .
Logan Miller joins the cast in a supporting role. Miller is known for his work in the Escape Room films and brings experience in the thriller genre to the project. He plays Marvin, described in earlier casting reports as a goth-type character who works for someone named Pendleton in a massive mansion .
Malcolm McDowell, a true screen legend, is also part of the ensemble. McDowell’s career spans decades, and he is perhaps best known for his iconic role in A Clockwork Orange. His involvement adds weight and credibility to any project, and horror fans appreciate seeing a veteran actor of his caliber step into genre territory .
Grace Dove rounds out the main cast. Dove is a newer face compared to her co-stars, but her inclusion in a project of this size suggests she is one to watch .
Who Is Behind the Camera?
The creative team behind Psycho Killer has an impressive track record that should excite horror enthusiasts.
Gavin Polone makes his feature directorial debut with this film. Polone is better known as a producer with credits including horror hits like The Ti and numerous television projects. Stepping into the director’s chair for the first time on a horror-thriller of this scale is a bold move, and all eyes will be on how he handles the material .
The screenplay comes from Andrew Kevin Walker, who wrote the legendary thriller Se7en. Walker’s script for Se7en defined a generation of dark, psychological crime thrillers, and fans have been waiting for something similar from him for years. He also wrote Sleepy Hollow, giving him solid horror credentials beyond his most famous work .
The producing team includes Roy Lee (Barbarian, The Ring, It), Matt Berenson, and Arnon Milchan. Lee in particular has been on a hot streak with horror productions, and his involvement signals confidence in the project .
Constantin Film and New Regency are behind the production, with 20th Century Studios handling distribution in the US. The film was shot back in 2023, meaning it has been in post-production for some time, which often allows for careful fine-tuning of the final product .
What Is the Rating and Tone?
Psycho Killer carries an R-rating, which should come as no surprise given the subject matter and the people involved. The rating is for strong bloody violence, strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use, and language .
Given Andrew Kevin Walker’s involvement, audiences should expect a dark, psychological approach to the material rather than a simple body count movie. The Se7en comparison is inevitable, but the producers have reportedly positioned this as existing in a similar universe of thought, not just in terms of graphic content. The satanic element introduced through the killer’s nickname also suggests there may be deeper thematic layers at play .
Trailers and Marketing Campaign
The marketing campaign for Psycho Killer kicked into high gear in late 2025 and early 2026.
The first trailer arrived in October 2025, giving audiences their initial look at the film’s visual style and tone. That trailer emphasized the road trip aspect of the story and the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Campbell and Rogers’ characters .
In January 2026, a new poster was released showing James Preston Rogers as the Satanic Slasher with a striking red color scheme. The tagline warned that he is coming, building anticipation for the February release .
The most recent marketing push came in early February 2026 when tickets went on sale. Along with the ticket announcement, 20th Century Studios released a new clip showing the killer in a motel room and a TV spot highlighting some of the film’s most terrifying sequences .
Why Horror Fans Should Pay Attention
There are several reasons Psycho Killer has generated buzz among horror enthusiasts.
First, the connection to Barbarian through the producing team is significant. Barbarian was one of the most talked-about horror films in recent years, known for its willingness to subvert expectations and take wild swings. If Psycho Killer carries even a fraction of that creative energy, audiences are in for a treat .
Second, Andrew Kevin Walker returning to dark thriller territory after all these years is a major event for fans of the genre. Se7en remains a benchmark for psychological horror-thrillers, and any new project from Walker deserves attention .
Third, Georgina Campbell proved in Barbarian that she can carry a horror film effectively. She brings a grounded presence to genre roles that helps audiences connect with characters even in extreme situations .
Finally, the long development history of this project suggests there is something special about the script. Psycho Killer has been in development in various forms since the late 2000s, with different directors and producers attached over the years. The fact that it finally came together with this particular team indicates that the core material was strong enough to survive nearly two decades of Hollywood development hell .
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What to Expect on Opening Weekend
With tickets already on sale, fans can plan their opening weekend viewing now. The film is positioned as a major theatrical release from 20th Century Studios, meaning it should be available on the largest screens possible.
For those who prefer to wait for streaming, no digital release date has been announced yet. Given that this is a theatrical-first release from a major studio, the film will likely have an exclusive window in theaters before becoming available for rental or streaming.
Psycho Killer arrives in theaters on February 20, 2026. With its blend of psychological depth, graphic horror, and a cast led by Georgina Campbell, this is shaping up to be one of the first major horror events of the year.
For more updates on the latest entertainment news, stay tuned to VvipTimes for continuing coverage of Psycho Killer and all your favorite upcoming releases.
