True crime and horror fans, prepare for a chilling new entry into the genre as DREAD, the specialty horror label of Epic Pictures, brings Ed Kemper to the big screen. The film marks the first in a gripping series of biographical true crime thrillers from DREAD, with Dorothea and Richard Ramirez already set to follow. Ed Kemper will premiere in select theaters on April 4, 2025, before arriving on VOD for rental and purchase on April 8, 2025.
Directed by Chad Ferrin (Pig Killer, H.P. Lovecraft’s The Old Ones) and co-written with Stephen Johnston (Ted Bundy, The Hillside Strangler), Ed Kemper dives deep into the unsettling mind of one of America’s most notorious serial killers. The film stars Lew Temple (The Walking Dead), Cassandra Gava (Conan the Barbarian), Robert Miano (Fast & Furious), Brinke Stevens (House on Haunted Hill), Susan Priver (Night Caller), and Brandon Kirk (Scalper).
The film follows the twisted and disturbing true story of Ed Kemper, a highly intelligent yet deeply disturbed murderer whose traumatic childhood fueled a reign of terror. Masking his monstrous nature behind a charismatic and unassuming facade, Kemper’s obsessions led him down a path of horrifying crimes—culminating in a grotesque act of revenge against the one woman he despised most: his own mother.
“Having three films releasing in 2025 is a watershed moment for me,” says director Chad Ferrin. “And with Ed Kemper and Dorothea in the capable hands of Epic Pictures, their cinematic future couldn’t be brighter.”
Stephen Johnston, co-writer of Ed Kemper, adds, “I originally envisioned Ed Kemper as having a sort of punk rock horror energy, and seeing that realized through Chad Ferrin’s sure-handed direction, the cast’s powerful performances, and the hard work of an incredible crew has been magical. Disturbing, sure—but the best kind of disturbing.”
Epic Pictures CEO Patrick Ewald emphasizes the film’s intensity: “We’re beyond thrilled to unleash Ed Kemper, a bold and unnerving dive into the mind of one of history’s most infamous killers. True crime and horror are a potent, pulse-pounding combination, and with this film—and our upcoming slate at DREAD—we’re crafting stories that are as smart as they are terrifying. Brace yourself for an intense and unforgettable ride into the darkest corners of human nature.”
With Ed Kemper leading the charge, DREAD is cementing its reputation as a go-to destination for true crime horror. Look for the film in select theaters on April 4 and on VOD starting April 8. More updates on Dorothea and Richard Ramirez are sure to follow, so stay tuned!
Commenti