Buddy releases new teaser for Casper Kelly at SDCC

Get ready for a dose of nostalgia twisted into nightmare fuel, because Casper Kelly is back with another spin on beloved characters in his upcoming horror comedy, Buddy!>

The anticipation is building as a second teaser trailer has dropped, signaling that this highly anticipated film is preparing to make a major splash at San Diego Comic-Con later this week. The cinematic experience is set to hit theaters on September 4, thanks to Roadside Attractions and Saban Films bringing the project to the big screen.

Kelly, known for his knack for blending pop culture with delightfully dark concepts, has established himself as a master of turning familiar figures into unsettling spectacles. His history includes viral hits like Too Many Cooks>, and directing projects such as Adult Swim Yule Log>, demonstrating a unique ability to find the sweet spot between comedy and creeping horror.

Buddy dives into this tradition, reimagining an iconic figure for the screen. The film centers on BUDDY—the bright orange unicorn who once brought joy and life lessons to living rooms across the country. Inside the vibrant world of It’s Buddy!, children spend their days singing, dancing, and spreading happiness. But when one child decides to break the rules, Buddy grows unsettled, and cracks begin to appear in this seemingly perfect reality.

The cast promises a delightful mix of comedic talent and dramatic depth, featuring stars including Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Patton Oswalt, Michael Shannon, Topher Grace, and Keegan-Michael Key.

The creative team behind the project is equally impressive. Casper Kelly penned the screenplay alongside Jamie King, while the production draws on experienced forces from BoulderLight Pictures, the makers of films like Barbarian>, and Low Spark Films.

The promotional events are designed to introduce this unique blend of genre and nostalgia to a wider audience. Roadside Attractions has announced an extensive Comic-Con lineup on Friday, July 24th, including exclusive invitation-only breakfast screenings featuring director Casper Kelly for introductions.

Attendees can also look forward to the Ballroom 20 panel, which promises a deep dive into the film’s aesthetic, titled “Buddy, Everyone’s Favorite Orange Unicorn, from the Deranged Mind of Casper Kelly.” Later that afternoon will feature a press line with Kelly, lead actors Delaney Quinn and Star, producers Raphael Margules and J.D. Lifshitz, lead puppeteer Devon Ludlow, and even Buddy himself making a special appearance.

With these high-profile events lined up, the studio is clearly positioning Buddy as one of the year’s most unusual and talked-about genre releases. Even early reactions have been positive; for instance, Chris Bumbray gave a 6/10 score, praising the opening act as “mostly brilliant” before noting that momentum briefly faltered before recovering in the finale.