Published1 day ago
Why is R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 making waves with Elvira?Horror icon Cassandra Peterson, widely known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, is officially joining the cast of R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 as the sequel prepares to stream on Tubi on October 9, 2026. The brand-new trailer released today gives fans their first chilling look at Peterson in a witchy role alongside returning young stars Bean Reid and Adeline Lo. The upcoming feature serves as part of the streamer's annual "Terror on Tubi" Halloween lineup, blending familiar family-friendly scares with recognizable genre royalty.Cassandra Peterson steps into a witchy role in the upcoming sequel. — The Hollywood ReporterWhy This Is TrendingThe internet is buzzing over the unexpected crossover between children's horror author R.L. Stine and legendary horror hostess Elvira. Social media channels and entertainment platforms lit up following the release of the official trailer, which showcases the return of the creepy Redhaven curse. Fans of gateway horror are responding enthusiastically to the combination of Stine's signature storytelling style and Peterson's decades-long horror legacy.What HappenedDirected and written by British-Canadian filmmaker Jem Garrard, the sequel picks up where the 2025 original left off. Characters Sam, played by Bean Reid, and Becka, played by Adeline Lo, find themselves racing against time to stop a fresh wave of supernatural horror from taking over the town of Redhaven. Following the fallout of the previous harvest curse—which left Sam struggling with the fact that his family forgot his existence—the duo uncovers a new crop of child-like pumpkin-headed monsters conjured from the ground by an ancient ritual book.Official trailer for R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 on Tubi.What We Know So FarThe narrative deepens as Sam and Becka track down the source of the town's ongoing turmoil, leading them to consult the local sheriff, portrayed by Bob Frazer. The sheriff reveals that the forbidden book was originally stolen from a mysterious local woman living on the edge of the forest. That wise witch is brought to life by Cassandra Peterson, who assists the kids in confronting the deadly entities. Playing Cassandra was the perfect 'witchy' role for me.— Cassandra Peterson, Actor Josh Van Houdt, Vice President of Original Scripted Content for Tubi, noted that combining these two horror icons bridges different generations of fans.Why It MattersGateway horror titles occupy a unique space in modern entertainment by introducing younger audiences to the genre in a safe, controlled format. By bringing together the creator of The Haunting Hour and the performer behind Movie Macabre, the production appeals to parents seeking nostalgic Halloween entertainment they can share with their kids. Furthermore, the film highlights Tubi's growing push into original seasonal content designed to attract large audiences looking for free, accessible streaming options during October.What Happens NextR.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 premieres globally for free on Tubi on October 9, 2026. Additionally, director Jem Garrard and author R.L. Stine will appear alongside Tubi Chief Content Officer Adam Lewinson and drag queen and actor Jimbo at a special New York Comic Con panel scheduled for Sunday, October 11, to discuss the expanding universe of Stine adaptations on the platform.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen does R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead 2 release? The movie premieres on October 9, 2026, exclusively on Tubi.Who plays the witch in the sequel? Horror icon Cassandra Peterson, famously known as Elvira, plays a mysterious witch named Cassandra.Is the movie connected to the 1988 film Pumpkinhead? No, this film is inspired by R.L. Stine's anthology stories and serves as a direct sequel to Tubi's 2025 movie.Where can I watch the film? It will be available to stream for free on Tubi as part of their annual Terror on Tubi programming.
Resources
Sources and references cited in this article.