Though the Farrelly brothers are known for their comedy hits Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, and Shallow Hal, 2018’s Green Book proved that they have a lot more to offer than just laughter. The biographical film took home the Oscar for Best Picture, and Peter Farrelly won for Best Original Screenplay along with his writing partners, signifying that he has the chops to pen more than just jokes. Now the duo say they’d love to try their hand at another genre they have yet to dip their toes into: horror.
Speaking with Variety to promote their new film, Dear Santa, the Farrelly brothers touched on their interest in making a horror movie. While they’ve been pegged as comedy directors for the majority of their careers, Peter pointed out other filmmakers such as Rob Reiner that have successfully made the jump between genres. That being said, he also mentioned that they don’t have an idea for a horror film just yet, mainly because the duo “are terrible planners.”
“Horror. I want to do a horror movie that’s going to scare the hell out of people someday, but we don’t plan. We’re not good planners. That’s why we were horrible students in school. So we kind of do what the universe drops in our lap. I always talk about Rob Reiner and how he did his first four movies: Did Spinal Tap, then he did The Sure Thing, Stand by Me and The Princess Bride. The four movies, they’re all different, and he’s showing the world, ‘I can do whatever you want. You want it? Come to me.’ We did comedy, comedy, comedy, comedy, comedy, and then we started doing dramas, but only because it’s not completely in our control.”
As keen as they are about trying their hand at horror, though, Bobby Farrelly was quick to add that the brothers aren’t interested in making a movie just to say they did it. “We wouldn’t want to do a horror movie just to do a horror movie,” he commented. “We’d do one if the inspiration comes to us, to tell one that we find interesting.”
What Kind of Horror Movies Do the Farrelly Brothers Find Interesting?
Though you might think that the Farrelly brothers would find something in the horror-comedy genre fun to do since it would kind of be in their lane, nothing could be further from the truth. When asked what kind of horror movie they might want to make, Peter simply stated that he “wants to scare people.” His brother added that it probably “wouldn’t be a slasher” film like Friday the 13th, but rather something more psychological with a few twists and turns in the same vein as an M. Night Shyamalan production.
“Like The Sixth Sense,” Peter said. “That’s maybe the greatest horror movie ever. Something that’s not as gory. It’s just got an undercurrent, it scares you another way.” He’s not wrong on that front, as The Sixth Sense is widely regarded as one of Shyamalan’s best movies, due in part to its atmospheric cinematography that builds on its tension until the big reveal at the end. It’s a modern-day ghost story that utilizes classic tropes, zigging where it should zag, and if the Farrelly brothers are using that as their blueprint, we can’t wait to see what they come up with when the time is right.
Related ‘Dear Santa’ Review: Jack Black Raises Hell in Smart but Awkward Comedy
The Farrelly brothers’ Christmas comedy is perceptive and funny but gets kind of cringe and doesn’t know who it’s for.
Until they decide what to do next, check out Dear Santa, which reunites them with Shallow Hal star Jack Black for a family Christmas adventure that sees a dyslexic boy write a letter to Satan instead of Saint Nick. The comedy debuted yesterday, Nov. 25, on Paramount+, and you can watch our interview with the Farrelly’s above where they detail some of the fun that went into making the movie.
Due to a mix-up, young Liam, a dyslexic 6th grader, sends a letter to Satan instead of Santa, leading Satan to appear at his door, delighted by his first-ever fan letter and interested in acquiring a portion of Liam’s soul.
Release Date November 25, 2024
Cast Jack Black , Robert Timothy Smith , Brianne Howey , Hayes MacArthur , keegan-michael key , Post Malone , P.J. Byrne , Jaden Carson Baker , Kai Cech
Main Genre Holiday
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