Eli Roth Launches ‘The Horror Section’ with Crowdfunded Model to Back Unrated Horror Films. First Project, Ice Cream Man, Films This Summer
Horror director Eli Roth is diving deep into the blood-splattered future of indie horror with an ambitious new venture: The Horror Section, a production company focused on unrated, boundary-pushing theatrical horror. Known for his visceral and unapologetic approach to filmmaking, Roth is inviting fans to be more than just viewers. They can now become investors through a crowdfunding model via Republic.co.
Roth’s first project under this new banner, Ice Cream Man, is already moving forward, with production kicking off this summer in Canada. Though plot details are tightly under wraps, the name alone conjures up deliciously gruesome possibilities, and knowing Roth’s penchant for extreme horror, fans can expect Ice Cream Man to serve up something far more sinister than sprinkles.
A Legacy of Gore and Grit
Eli Roth isn’t new to horror. From his breakout feature Cabin Fever (2002) to the torture-fueled cult classic Hostel (2005), Roth has carved out a name as one of horror’s most daring directors. His works often sit just outside the mainstream, skirting the edge of what’s considered acceptable in mainstream cinema – and that’s exactly how fans like it.
With The Horror Section, Roth is doubling down on the genre’s raw power. In his own words, this studio is for the fans who “don’t want their horror watered down for a PG-13 rating.” His mission? To bring theatrical, unrated horror back to the big screen… where it belongs!
What Does “Unrated Horror” Really Mean?
Unrated horror refers to films that haven’t been submitted to or rated by traditional boards like the MPAA (Motion Picture Association). These films often push boundaries in terms of violence, gore, disturbing content going beyond the limits of even an R rating. By avoiding the formal rating process, filmmakers can retain full creative control. Delivering raw, unfiltered horror that doesn’t hold back to meet commercial guidelines. For fans, unrated horror means no compromises just pure, undiluted terror the way the director intended.
A Horror Revolution Powered by Fans
What sets this project apart is its funding model. Roth is turning to Republic.co, a crowdfunding investment platform, to raise capital. This isn’t Kickstarter merch perks — this is equity. Fans can invest in The Horror Section and share in the success of its films, marking a powerful shift in how horror gets made (and who gets to be a part of it).
This move reflects a growing trend in horror: community-driven storytelling, where fans are more involved than ever. The horror genre is powered by a fiercely dedicated fanbase, and Roth is betting on that passion to fund a new wave of creative freedom.
And if recent success stories are anything to go by, he may be onto something big.
Take Terrifier 3, for example. Despite being unrated and having a relatively modest marketing budget, it shocked industry analysts by grossing over $90 million worldwide. That made it the highest-grossing unrated film of all time, outstripping even notorious NC-17 titles. It also became Cineverse’s highest-grossing release and cemented Terrifier as one of horror’s most bankable franchises.
That kind of success sends a loud message: audiences crave bold, unfiltered horror. And studios willing to take risks – like Roth’s The Horror Section – may just be the future of genre cinema.
What’s Next?
With Ice Cream Man in production and the crowdfunding campaign live, The Horror Section is officially open for business. Roth promises this is just the beginning, with more unrated, theatrical horror on the way made by fans, for fans.
So whether you’re a die-hard horror head or just tired of tame, predictable scares, Eli Roth’s new venture is worth keeping an eye on. Because horror shouldn’t play it safe and now, it doesn’t have to.
