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Adam Scott stepped out in style on April 29th as Ben Stiller and Paul Rudd backed the actor at the New York premiere of his new horror thriller Hokum. The NEON film hits theaters nationwide on May 1, 2026, and early critical response has been overwhelmingly positive.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Premiere Date: April 29, 2026 at Regal Union Square in NYC
- Wide Release: May 1, 2026 in U.S. theaters via NEON
- Rating: 89% on Rotten Tomatoes with strong critical consensus
- Director: Damian McCarthy, known for acclaimed Irish horror films
Star-Studded Red Carpet Support for Scott’s Chiller
Adam Scott brought familiar faces to the Manhattan premiere, with Severance co-stars Ben Stiller and Paul Rudd showing up to celebrate the actor’s latest project. The men were caught catching up and enjoying the evening together at the event. Scott was also accompanied by his wife Naomi, who stood by his side as photographers captured the moment. Other industry guests and fellow cast members joined the festivities at the iconic Union Square venue.
The strong turnout reflects Scott’s standing in Hollywood and the mounting anticipation around Hokum, which has already generated significant buzz following its premiere at South by Southwest in March.
Adam Scott, backed by Ben Stiller and Paul Rudd, hits red carpet for ‘Hokum’ premiere in New York City
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A Dark Tale of Grief, Witchcraft, and Irish Folklore
Hokum follows Ohm Bauman, a reclusive novelist played by Scott, who travels to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes. What begins as a solemn personal mission quickly spirals into psychological terror. The property harbors dark legends of a witch said to haunt the honeymoon suite, and Bauman becomes consumed by increasingly disturbing visions rooted in Irish folklore. The film explores how grief and guilt can blur reality and unleash supernatural forces.
Director Damian McCarthy has crafted a supernatural horror story that taps into authentic cultural mythology, making Hokum feel both timeless and terrifying. Early screenings painted the film as a showcase of Scott’s dramatic range, with critics praising his career-best performance in the lead role.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | May 1, 2026 (Theatrical NEON) |
| Director | Damian McCarthy |
| Lead Cast | Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Austin Amelio |
| Runtime | 107 minutes |
Rotten Tomatoes reports an 89% critical score, with reviewers calling Hokum a triumph of Irish horror cinema. Roger Ebert’s review awarded the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, noting that McCarthy has fulfilled the promise shown in his previous works. Critics at SXSW 2026, where the film premiered on March 14, gave Scott high praise for delivering his most complex and committed performance to date.
“Adam Scott does his best work in a film that rises above standard haunted house fare to examine real emotional consequences.”
— Brian Tallerico, Roger Ebert
From SXSW Success to May 1st Nationwide Release
Hokum premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 14, 2026, where it garnered strong early reviews and momentum. The film remained under wraps as NEON methodically built anticipation with teasers and official trailers showcasing the unsettling atmosphere and Scott’s haunted performance. Industry insiders predicted the film would become a standout in the crowded horror marketplace. Now, with theatrical release just days away, early audience screenings continue to generate positive word-of-mouth.
Streaming plans indicate a potential VOD release around mid-to-late June 2026, though exact platforms remain TBA. NEON typically takes 45 to 60 days between theatrical and digital releases for its titles.
Will Hokum Become This Year’s Essential Horror Film?
With Adam Scott’s powerhouse performance, Damian McCarthy’s masterful direction, and critical backing from major outlets, Hokum is positioned to be one of 2026’s defining horror releases. The film’s exploration of grief, guilt, and folklore offers more than jump scares, inviting audiences into a psychological descent. Early reviews suggest the film will appeal to both horror enthusiasts and prestige cinema viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives grounded in genuine cultural mythology.
As Scott continues to expand his range beyond television into acclaimed film roles, Hokum marks a significant milestone in his career. The question now is whether audiences nationwide will embrace the film’s slow-burn terror and emotional depth when it arrives in theaters on May 1st.
Sources
- Just Jared – Coverage of the ‘Hokum’ premiere with Ben Stiller and Paul Rudd in New York City
- Rotten Tomatoes – Critical aggregation and audience scores for the film
- Roger Ebert – Review with detailed analysis of Adam Scott and Damian McCarthy’s craftsmanship
