*In a recent interview, writer/director Jeremy Rudd shared the twisted origins and thrilling expansion of his latest horror venture, “Die’ced: Reloaded,” a feature-length slasher that builds on his viral 2023 short film “Die’ced.”
The film, presented by Epic Pictures’ horror label DREAD, follows Benny, a notorious serial killer who escapes an asylum on Halloween night, transforming 1980s Seattle into a bloodbath with one young woman in his crosshairs.
Rudd’s decision to revisit the story stemmed from its untapped potential. “A lot of people didn’t see it. It went by and had its viral moment as a short,” Rudd explained. When Epic Pictures reached out, producer Patrick convinced him to expand the project for a broader audience. “I was like, yes, let’s do it,” Rudd said, eager to bring Benny’s terror to more screens.
Set in 1980s Seattle, “Die’ced: Reloaded” channels the gritty, blood-soaked aesthetic of classic slasher films. As a self-professed horror fanatic, Rudd drew inspiration from iconic movies like “Halloween,” “Friday the 13th,” and “Child’s Play” (the original trilogy). “I grew up watching all these ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s horror slashers,” he said. To capture the retro vibe, Rudd ensured every detail, costumes, dialogue, and sets reflected the era, while adding a modern twist to keep it fresh. “It felt fun, refreshing,” he noted, emphasizing his unique spin on the genre.
At the heart of the film is Benny, the scarecrow-slasher whose cult following exploded after the short film. In “Die’ced: Reloaded,” fans will uncover more about his murky past.
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“We’re expanding on the backstory of Benny,” Rudd revealed, promising “more kills, more unique kills” and a polished production thanks to Epic’s remixing and remastering. Unlike typical masked killers, Benny’s painted face reveals his chilling expressions, amplifying his creepiness. “I wanted his face painted so you could see his smile, his eyes,” Rudd said, inspired by underutilized scarecrow motifs in horror, like those in “Jeepers Creepers.”
Casting Benny was a serendipitous find. Rudd met Jason, a towering 6’4”, 200-plus-pound practical effects artist, through Facebook forums. “He said, ‘I also do acting,’” Rudd recalled. “I was like, yeah, this guy will work.” Jason’s imposing presence and effects expertise made him the perfect fit for the scarecrow killer.
Horror fans will relish the film’s brutal practical effects, with Rudd teasing two standout moments: “The opening kill scene or the bathroom kill scene. Those are the most unique and gruesome ones.” These sequences promise to spark buzz among audiences, blending visceral thrills with the film’s nostalgic slasher roots.
Balancing homage and originality was key for Rudd. “You have your standard slasher film with your final girl and your villain,” he said, nodding to classics like “Halloween.” Yet, Benny’s scarecrow persona sets the film apart. “Scarecrows are underutilized in the horror genre,” Rudd noted, aiming to carve out a distinct niche while paying tribute to the slashers he loves.
The viral success of the original short shaped the feature’s development. “I took a lot of the comments, the feedback, what people loved,” Rudd said. Fans clamored for more of Benny’s backstory, leading to a richer narrative. The film also introduces Cassandra, the final girl, whose survival against Benny’s rampage will captivate viewers.
With a limited theatrical run starting August 8 and VOD release on August 12, Rudd emphasized the importance of experiencing “Die’ced: Reloaded” on the big screen. “It’s equally as important, on the big screen or streaming,” he said, urging fans to support the film and embrace Benny and Cassandra’s chilling tale.
For horror lovers, Rudd makes a compelling case to prioritize “Die’ced: Reloaded” this August. “It’s your typical slasher, but it’s not,” he said. “When’s the last time you watched a scarecrow killer? There’s a lot to love—the kill scenes, the chase scenes, the characters.”
With its blend of ‘80s nostalgia, gruesome kills, and a unique villain, “Die’ced: Reloaded” is poised to slash its way into the hearts of horror fans everywhere.
Watch our full conversation with Jeremy Rudd via the clip below.
