Nick Jonas is trading his musical roots for festive horror. The Jonas Brother has officially joined Kathryn Newton in a high-stakes holiday slasher where eight friends compete for one dark prize. Production is already underway, bringing Christmas carnage to screens sooner than expected.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Title and Genre: White Elephant, a holiday horror thriller released as the first project under RSPX partnership
- Director and Vision: Eli Craig, known for Tucker & Dale vs. Evil and the cult slasher Clown in a Cornfield
- Studio Backing: MRC financing with Radio Silence and Project X producing the indie horror venture
- Production Timeline: Cameras rolling as of early April 2026 with momentum building
A Star-Studded Cast Takes the Stage
Nick Jonas brings mainstream appeal to horror territory for the first time in his career. The youngest Jonas brother, recently seen alongside Paul Rudd in the critically acclaimed dramedy Power Ballad, is stepping squarely into the genre playground where Kathryn Newton has already established her reputation as a scream queen.
Newton, the breakout horror darling, has become a reliable collaborator with Radio Silence after starring in Abigail and the just-released Ready or Not 2. Her addition to White Elephant marks her third project with the production powerhouse, cementing her status as horror’s next major leading lady. The chemistry between these two rising stars promises fresh energy to the holiday slasher subgenre.
Behind the Lens: Eli Craig’s Proven Horror Pedigree
Eli Craig brings proven horror chops to White Elephant following his success with cult classics. Best known for the darkly comedic Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, Craig also directed Little Evil and most recently delivered the breakout slasher Clown in a Cornfield, which set opening weekend records for IFC Films.
The script was crafted by JT Billings with additional writing from Craig himself, ensuring directorial vision infuses every page. His track record suggests White Elephant will balance horror scares with blackly comic moments. Craig’s willingness to subvert genre expectations makes him the perfect choice for a holiday gift exchange that turns lethal.
The Project’s Studio Landscape
| Role | Company/Individual |
| Financing & Distribution | MRC |
| Production Partnership | Radio Silence, Project X (RSPX) |
| Lead Producers | Spencer Berman, Nick Jonas, Tyler Gillett, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin |
| Script | JT Billings, Eli Craig |
White Elephant represents the inaugural project under RSPX, the newly formed powerhouse partnership between Radio Silence and Project X. This alliance was specifically created to develop inventive, engaging horror and thriller projects. With Fede Álvarez’s production company and the creators behind Scream 7 joining forces, the industry is watching this collaboration closely. The involvement of Spencer Berman and Nick Jonas producing through Powered By Jonas adds a mainstream production layer crucial for the film’s reach and budget.
“Eight friends. One prize. Zero trust. Their annual festive holiday gift exchange spirals into a cutthroat game of Christmas carnage.”
— White Elephant, Official Logline
The Director’s Horror Milestone
Radio Silence, the directing duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, recently shattered franchise records with Scream 7, which grossed over $204 million worldwide. They now turn their attention to this indie horror venture while preparing The Mummy reboot with Brendan Fraser. Their decision to greenlight White Elephant as the flagship RSPX project speaks volumes about the script’s potential.
Kathryn Newton has previously praised her collaborations with Radio Silence, stating they listen closely and allow her creative freedom. Her continued partnership demonstrates trust built on the success of their recent releases. The fact that she signed for a third project before any other announcements suggests genuine enthusiasm from the creative team about this specific tale.
What Makes a Holiday Horror Film Resonate Today?
The white elephant gift exchange tradition is perfect horror fodder. Greed, betrayal, and surprise are already baked into the concept, making it ripe for terror. Films like Ready or Not and Abigail proved audiences crave fresh takes on familiar social rituals twisted into deadly games. When a beloved holiday tradition becomes sinister, the emotional stakes feel deeply personal to viewers.
With production underway and principal photography moving at pace, White Elephant is positioned for a potential holiday 2027 release window that would maximize its seasonal appeal. The timing of this announcement, paired with rapid production momentum, suggests the studio is confident in the material and eager to capitalize on growing appetite for quality holiday horror that breaks genre conventions and honors genuine scares over sentimentality.
Sources
- Deadline Hollywood – Exclusive breaking announcement of Nick Jonas and Kathryn Newton casting for White Elephant horror film (April 2, 2026)
- Billboard Culture – Industry coverage of Nick Jonas horror project announcement and holiday carnage logline details
- JoBlo Horror News – Comprehensive breakdown of director Eli Craig credentials and Radio Silence production partnership overview
