Gerard McMurray Tapped to Direct ‘Goons’ for Confluential Films’ New Horror Division

Director Gerard McMurray, known for The First Purge, is setting his next horror film, Goons, in Louisiana’s haunting cane fields and plantations. The movie stars Michael Rainey Jr. from Power and Chloe Bailey from The Exorcism.

Filming is underway in New Orleans and its surroundings, with Tommy Oliver producing through Confluential Films’ new genre label, New Fear Unlocked Productions, aimed at culturally specific horror films by creators of color. McMurray co-wrote the script with Hodge K. Johnson.

Oliver expressed his excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the talented team and the launch of New Fear Unlocked. McMurray shared his enthusiasm for directing in the horror genre, calling Goons a personal story and a tribute to New Orleans. He also emphasized the collaborative spirit among Black storytellers.

Confluential has a reputation for impactful projects like the Sundance Grand Jury winner Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project and the Lily Gladstone feature Fancy Dance. The establishment of their horror-focused label comes at a time when the horror genre remains a strong box office contender, prompting studios to bolster their presence in the space.

McMurray is represented by WME, Artists First, and Gang Tyre. Rainey is represented by Independent Artist Group, Higher Level Talents, Untitled Entertainment, and Yorn Levine. Bailey is represented by CAA. Oliver and Confluential are represented by CAA and The BALA Firm.