Bill Hader’s Horror Script Rejected: The Movie Hollywood Wouldn’t Touch
Bill Hader opens up about a crushing Hollywood rejection that shook his confidence after years of TV and comedy success. Discover the story behind the horror film he was never allowed to make.
Even the most accomplished creatives aren’t shielded from harsh feedback. Bill Hader, a familiar face in comedy and television for over two decades, knows this all too well. Despite his celebrated run on Saturday Night Live and standout roles in films like Pineapple Express and Superbad, Hader faced a major setback when he tried to branch out into a new genre.
After wrapping up his acclaimed series Barry—a dark comedy about a hitman-turned-actor that earned him and Henry Winkler a slew of awards, including dozens of Emmy nominations—Hader dove straight into writing a horror screenplay. He didn’t take a break, pouring his energy into the new project, hoping to make a mark outside his comedic comfort zone.
Hollywood ’s Cold Shoulder
Hader shared his experience with director Ari Aster, revealing how his excitement quickly turned to disappointment. He recounted,
“I had written a horror movie right after Barry wrapped, I didn’t really take a break… I kind of went right into writing this feature. I had a meeting with a big producer – actually, a very smart, lovely guy. But his response to it was so bad.”
The producer, whose name Hader kept private, didn’t hold back. He described the script as
“disturbing”
and
“cynical.”
Hader recalled,
“This is so mean-spirited and horrible and everything,”
and added,
“I was like, yeah, it’s a horror movie, did you not see my TV show?”
The blunt rejection hit Hader hard. He admitted,
“I really lost my confidence.”
Despite his track record, the negative feedback left him doubting his abilities and put the project on ice.
Finding Inspiration Again
It wasn’t until he watched Ari Aster’s 2025 film Eddington—a small-town drama set during the Covid pandemic—that Hader felt inspired to revisit his shelved screenplay. Eddington received mixed reviews, but it sparked something in Hader, reminding him of the creative risks worth taking.
Details about Hader’s horror project remain under wraps, but he hasn’t slowed down. He’s currently lending his voice to a new adaptation of The Cat in the Hat and is rumored to be developing an HBO series about the infamous 1978 Jonestown Massacre. That tragedy, orchestrated by cult leader Jim Jones in Guyana, claimed the lives of over 900 people and left a lasting mark on American history.
New Directions and Unfinished Business
While the horror film that rattled Hollywood execs hasn’t seen the light of day, Hader’s creative journey is far from over. His willingness to tackle dark, challenging material—whether in comedy, drama, or horror—continues to set him apart in the industry. Fans are left wondering if his “mean-spirited” script will ever make it to the screen, but for now, Hader is busy exploring new stories and pushing boundaries in unexpected ways.