Content overview: “Variety's Horror Impact Report 2025: James Wan, Curry Barker, Naomi Ackie and the Genre's ”. Variety's second annual Horror Impact Report arrives at a pivotal moment for the genre, spotlighting the directors, actors, and creators driving its unprecedented success. The list includes industry veterans like James Wan, known for launching blockbuster franchises such as "Saw" and "The Conjuring," and rising stars like Curry Barker, whose indie hit "Backrooms" became a box office phenomenon, and Naomi Ackie, who is set to lead the upcoming "Carrie" series. The report underscores horror's cultural and commercial dominance, from low-budget breakouts to high-profile streaming projects.
The genre's momentum is undeniable: indie films like "Obsession" have overperformed, while legacy IPs such as "Halloween" and "Hellraiser" are being revived for new audiences. The upcoming "Friday the 13th" prequel series "Crystal Lake" is generating major buzz, signaling that streamers are investing heavily in horror's built-in fanbases. The full version stays on the original page, which this listing opens directly.