Tubi is developing “R.L. Stine’s Afraid of Clowns,” an original horror movie from the “Goosebumps” author set to premiere on the free streamer in 2027, Variety reported.
“Afraid of Clowns” is the third Stine film for Tubi. It follows “R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead,” which premiered in October 2025, and “R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2,” which debuts Oct. 9.
‘Afraid of Clowns’ story and cast
Like the “Pumpkinhead” films, the new movie is set in the town of Redhaven. Tubi’s official logline reads: “When Ringmaster Rollo and his mysterious clown troupe arrive in Redhaven, Frankie discovers their visit may be connected to a child who vanished years ago. Convinced they’ve now set their sights on her little brother, Frankie must convince her friends to help uncover the truth and stop the clowns before her brother disappears with them for good.”
The cast includes Frankie Honey, Ava Ferrer, Azriel Dalman, Joe Moore and Jimbo, the Season 8 winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”
Creative team
Jem Garrard, who wrote and directed both “Pumpkinhead” films, is the writer and director of “Afraid of Clowns,” according to Dread Central. Front Street Pictures is producing. The producers are James Mattagne, Joan Waricha, Harvey Kahn, Yvonne Bernard, Dan Bernard, Garrard, Allen Lewis and Rama Diallo.
Why Tubi keeps returning to Redhaven
The first “Pumpkinhead” was part of Tubi’s 2025 “Terror on Tubi” Halloween lineup, which drew more than 100 million hours of total viewing time, up 51 percent from the year before, Programming Insider reported. “Afraid of Clowns” extends that partnership into a third film.
“Clowns have been scaring kids long before I ever got to them — I just gave them a reason to be afraid of the ones in Redhaven,” Stine said in a statement.
Adam Lewinson, Tubi’s chief content officer, said Stine “has been the first taste of fear for legions of fans — and the beginning of a lifelong love of horror.” He added that Tubi’s Stine movies give longtime fans more of the stories that sparked their imaginations while welcoming new viewers.
Tubi has leaned on nostalgia elsewhere, too, with its classic cartoon lineup. For more scares, see our picks of Stephen King books and the latest movie news.
