Many movie fans weren’t thrilled when Rohan Campbell’s Corey Cunningham became the focal point of Halloween Ends, but the actor’s performance stood out to writer/director Mike P. Nelson, and was part of why he cast Campbell in his new horror movie, Silent Night, ᴅᴇᴀᴅly Night, premiering December 12.

In an interview with ScreenRant‘s Liam Crowley at New York Comic Con, Nelson shared that he, like David Gordon Green’s defense of Cunningham’s role, feels Campbell “makes Halloween Ends,” calling his performance “incredibly good.” When a producer suggested Campbell for the lead of Billy in Silent Night, ᴅᴇᴀᴅly Night, Nelson jumped at the opportunity, adding that he quickly clicked with the actor.

We had a great call, and immediately he got it. You can feel when somebody understands what you’re trying to do on the page. As soon as they start talking, you’re like, “Oh, thank God, you understand this.” I knew he had the energy, I knew he had the chops to do it.

A new take on the 1984 cult horror classic of the same name, Silent Night, ᴅᴇᴀᴅly Night follows Billy, who, after witnessing a man in a Santa suit murder his parents, dresses up like St. Nick as an adult and terrorizes a small town during the holiday season. Joining Campbell in the cast is Happy Death Day star Ruby Modine, as well as Mark Acheson, David Lawrence Brown, and David Tomlinson.

Watch the teaser trailer directly below:

In addition to Nelson being impressed with Campbell’s acting, he also praised his professionalism and the fun he brings to set. Modine, who was also on-hand for the interview, backed that up, wondering how Nelson got any usable takes because, “Rohan and I were laughing through every single scene.” Nelson said he hopes there’s a blooper reel one day.

Aside from Halloween Ends, Campbell is best known for his role as Frank Hardy in the Hulu original series The Hardy Boys. He also had a role in the adaptation of Stephen King’s The Monkey earlier in 2025, which has now become a streaming hit.

For Nelson, his previous directing credits include 2018’s The Domestics, 2021’s Wrong Turn, and directing a segment for 2023’s V/H/S/85. Of his latest movie, he promises of blend of heart and axe murdering.

Silent Night, ᴅᴇᴀᴅly Night already had its world premiere at Fantastic Feast on September 21, where it began to build some buzz. As of writing, the movie has an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score.

The horror movie likely wants to capitalize on the recent success of horror franchise Terrifier, as three executive producers from the movie about Art the Clown – Matthew Heldman, G. Brandon Hill, and Yolanda Macias – have the same role on Silent Night, ᴅᴇᴀᴅly Night.