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Steven Kostanski talks puppetry, crossovers and ‘Frankie Freako’

Steven Kostanski is one of the go-to creatives for special effects make-up and design. He is also a talented writer and director who is responsible for The Void and Psycho Goreman amongst others. So far 2024 has been a busy year for Steven Kostanski. His 2024 credits include Scared Shitless, In a Violent Nature, and now his latest directorial project, Frankie Freako

After calling a late-night party hotline that promises out-of-this-world fun, uptight yuppie, Conor (Conor Sweeney) must battle the pint-sized forces of evil unleashed through his phone line, led by the maniacal rock n’ roll goblin, Frankie Freako.

Having already debuted at Fantasia FIlm Festival and screening at Fantastic Fest, Frankie Freako will arrive exclusively in select US cinemas on 4th October. Inspired by Ghoulies Go to College, Frankie Freako is an absurd comedy horror that is a chaotic concoction of 80s cartoons, science-fiction, and splatter movies. The result is a viewing experience like no other, and it is highly recommended that Frankie Freako be watched with the biggest crowd possible. 

An astounding feat of puppetry and a dedication, Frankie Freako is another labour of love from Steven Kostanski, and is sure to hit the spot with those that adored Psycho Goreman. Ahead of Frankie Freako’s US release, THN were able to grab some time with Steven Kostanski to find out more about how the project came to life. Our discussion delved into how one thinks of an idea as insane as Frankie Freako, the deliberate thought process behind the appearance of the Freako’s, and how Conor Sweeney handled being the only actor on set for much of the movie. Kostanski also teased an idea that could see Frankie Freako and Psycho Goreman cross paths, and how work is going on his next project, Deathstalker. 

Frankie Freako arrives in select US cinemas from 4th October. Those in the UK can catch Frankie Freako when it opens this year’s Celluloid Screams in Sheffield on Thursday 24th October. 

Kat Hughes is a UK born film critic and interviewer who has a passion for horror films. An editor for THN, Kat is also a Rotten Tomatoes Approved Critic. She has bylines with Ghouls Magazine, Arrow Video, Film Stories, Certified Forgotten and FILMHOUNDS and has had essays published in home entertainment releases by Vinegar Syndrome and Second Sight. When not writing about horror, Kat hosts micro podcast Movies with Mummy along with her five-year-old daughter.

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