Prepare for an exciting turn in the film industry, as comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani is set to step into the director's chair for the horror movie 'Howl.' This marks a significant milestone in his career, adding directing to his already impressive repertoire that includes acting and writing. Known for his roles in acclaimed projects like 'Eternals' and 'The Big Sick,' Nanjiani's transition into directing—especially within the horror genre—promises to capture the attention of both fans and critics alike.
In a recent conversation on the podcast Comedy Means Business, Nanjiani shared insights about his upcoming directorial venture. He explained that while directing had always been a distant aspiration for him, it wasn't until he encountered a compelling script that everything clicked into place. "Directing was this vague thing I wanted to do, but it wasn’t until I read this script that came to me to act in that I thought, ‘Okay, I don’t know if I know how to direct, but I think I know how to direct this movie.’ That’s kind of how it happened—I just read the right thing," he stated.
Nanjiani emphasized his passion for genre films, particularly horror and science fiction, stating, "Emily [V. Gordon, his wife] and I are huge genre fans. We watch every sci-fi movie and every horror film out there." This enthusiasm for the genre seems to have influenced his decision to take on 'Howl.'
Interestingly, Nanjiani noted that his choice to direct a horror film wasn't a predetermined goal; rather, it was the unique qualities of this particular project that drew him in. "I get this movie. It’s got a very specific tone, and I was like, ‘I see this tone in my head. I know exactly how this should be,’" he said, highlighting the creative vision he has for the film.
He also acknowledged the trend of comedians successfully transitioning into the horror genre, referencing notable figures such as Jordan Peele, Josh Ruben, and Zach Cregger, who have all made their marks in horror filmmaking. Nanjiani remarked, "There’s been a lot of comedians pivoting into making horror movies recently, and it’s been successful. Their track record has helped me a little bit in making this pivot."
While plot details for 'Howl' remain closely guarded, production is anticipated to begin next year. The film will be produced by Winter Coat Films, the company Nanjiani founded alongside his wife and producer Dani Melia, known for her work on 'The Farewell.'
Fans of Nanjiani can catch his performance in 'Fallout' Season 2, which premieres tomorrow on Prime Video.
This move into horror by a comedian raises numerous questions: Will Nanjiani bring a fresh perspective to the genre? Can he balance the humor inherent in his previous works with the tension required in horror? And what does this mean for the future of comedic talent in serious genres? Share your thoughts below—do you think comedians can redefine horror, or do you believe they should stick to comedy?
