Spencer Lackey, known for his horror shorts, is making his feature directorial debut with ‘Lust’, backed by major horror producers.
Spencer Lackey, a rising star in the horror genre with a substantial social media following, is set to make his feature film debut with a project titled ‘Lust’. This development was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter on September 8, 2026. The film is co-produced by Neon, Blumhouse Atomic Monster, and Spooky Pictures, featuring a team of well-regarded veterans in the horror film industry.
Lackey has built an impressive following of nearly seven million users across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, primarily through his engaging short-form horror content. Notably, accomplished producers Steven Schneider from Spooky Pictures, Jason Blum, and James Wan from Blumhouse Atomic Monster are involved in producing ‘Lust’. This collaboration raises expectations for the film, given the industry clout of these producers.
The specifics of the film's plot remain undisclosed as the logline has been kept under wraps, but the project is co-financed by Neon and Blumhouse Atomic Monster, indicating significant backing from established entities in the horror film landscape.
Prior to this announcement, Lackey gained notable attention in the horror community, particularly for works that blend absurd premises with traditional horror cues, highlighting his unique voice within the genre. His previous short films, including a liminal-space project titled You Are Here, were showcased at film festivals and have contributed to his rising profile as a filmmaker.
Industry discussions have suggested that digital creators like Lackey are increasingly being taken seriously as potential leaders in the filmmaking space, particularly in genres like horror that resonate well with online audiences. This trend is evident in recent successes from filmmakers in similar backgrounds, such as Barker's Obsession and Parsons' Backrooms, which have successfully attracted audiences to theaters.
The emergence of Lackey as a feature filmmaker may signify a broader shift in the film industry, where social media creators are becoming integral to the filmmaking process. As Lackey himself stated, many of the same creative skills developed in short-form content creation can translate effectively into longer formats.
This transition also emphasizes the growing relationship between digital and traditional filmmaking methods, offering hope that ‘Lust’ could resonate with both audiences familiar with Lackey’s online persona and those seeking innovative storytelling within the horror genre. Lackey's representation by 3 Arts Entertainment, WME, and Ginsburg Daniels Kallis further solidifies his position within the industry.
As production details unfold, fans and industry watchers will be keenly anticipating further announcements regarding Lust, particularly concerning its release date and specific casting choices. The collaboration of established horror producers with a newcomer like Lackey highlights a pivotal moment in how the industry embraces diverse talent—a trend likely to shape the future landscape of horror cinema.
For more updates, check out related stories on the festival circuit from Luca Guadagnino's ‘Artificial’ and Jacob Chase's ‘Sleepover’ slated for Blumhouse Atomic Monster.
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