Mason Gooding Discusses the Heart Eyes Killer Ahead of Horror Film Release
Mason Gooding, known for his role as Chad Meeks-Martin in the Scream franchise, shared insights about his upcoming project, Heart Eyes, a horror film directed by Josh Ruben. Set to be released on February 7, 2025, Heart Eyes ventures into the realm of slasher films with a unique twist centered around a Valentine’s Day murderer dubbed the Heart Eyes Killer, who targets unsuspecting romantic couples.
In discussing the film, Gooding highlighted key differences between the Heart Eyes Killer and Ghostface, the infamous antagonist of the Scream series. In a recent interview, he noted that while Ghostface’s terror often stems from the intimate ties between victims and their killer, the Heart Eyes Killer operates differently. Gooding described the Heart Eyes Killer as having "a brutality" that is less about the killer’s identity and more about the violent methods employed, utilizing a "medieval" arsenal of weapons. This approach is a stark contrast to the more methodical and personal nature of Ghostface.
Gooding elaborated, saying, “It’s funny because the Heart Eyes Killer has such a brutality to [them] that seems as if it’s hard to track the motive or the understanding of why these things take place, which allows for a level of horror that I think is alternative to Scream‘s meticulous, methodical, more domesticated style of horror.” He emphasized that while Ghostface is terrifying because it could be "anybody" in the neighborhood, the Heart Eyes Killer presents a more immediate and insurmountable threat, suggesting a different horror dynamic in the upcoming film.
About Heart Eyes and the Slasher Genre
Heart Eyes marks the debut of its titular villain, entering a competitive landscape of memorable horror characters like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Leatherface, as well as Art the Clown from Terrifier. For the Heart Eyes Killer to carve out a memorable niche in this crowded genre, Gooding notes that he must bring something innovative to the table. He pointed out that the killer not only has a visually striking design—complete with a unique mask and light-up heart goggles—but needs to deliver creative tactics during his attacks.
The slasher film genre has evolved significantly since the debut of Scream in 1996, which has seen five successful sequels, including the most recent installment, Scream 6 (2023), that enjoyed both positive reviews and financial success. The Scream franchise is notable for its blend of horror and dark humor, particularly evident in Ghostface’s quirky behavior and theatrical threats. In contrast, Gooding highlighted that it’s unclear if Heart Eyes will embrace a similar sense of humor, focusing instead on a more visceral and brutal approach to horror.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Slasher Genre
As the Scream franchise continues with the upcoming Scream 7, set to release on February 27, 2026, Gooding’s Heart Eyes appears poised to make its mark. The film aims to rejuvenate the slasher genre by incorporating fresh themes and a unique storyline revolving around romantic entanglements gone wrong.
Gooding, who also manages to portray resilience as his character frequently finds himself at odds with slasher villains, humorously suggested that keeping fit could be a survival strategy in such films, saying, “Maybe he’s just an immortal deity, I don’t know.” This lighthearted commentary adds an engaging layer to the conversation around the film, juxtaposing the light-hearted aspects of horror with its inherently grim themes.
In conclusion, Heart Eyes stands to offer a fresh perspective on horror, positioning itself as a potentially significant entry in the horror genre. By introducing a killer that deviates from the familiar tropes exemplified by Ghostface, the film promises to provide both chills and thrills that could redefine audience expectations in contemporary slasher films. With a promising release date and a cast that includes Olivia Holt, Jordana Brewster, and Devon Sawa, anticipation for Heart Eyes continues to build within the horror community.
