How Stephen King’s Legacy Shaped Daniel Radcliffe’s Overlooked Horror Film

Back in 2013, Daniel Radcliffe took on a role that was a far cry from his days as a boy wizard. In the darkly comedic fantasy thriller Horns, he played Ig Perrish, a young man suddenly gifted with supernatural powers—and a pair of horns—after being accused of his girlfriend’s murder. Juno Temple portrayed the ill-fated girlfriend, while a young Sabrina Carpenter appeared as her character’s childhood self. Despite its intriguing premise, the film didn’t make much of a splash when it hit theaters.

Stephen King’s Influence Runs Deep

What many may not realize is that Horns has a direct link to one of horror ’s most iconic figures. The movie is based on a novel by Joe Hill, who happens to be the son of Stephen King and Tabitha King. Hill, whose real name is Joseph King, has carved out his own reputation in the literary world with works like Heart-Shaped Box, NOS4A2, The Fireman, and King Sorrow. Like his father, several of Hill’s stories have been adapted for the screen. Horns, in particular, earned a nomination for the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel in 2010.

In 2012, Hill announced that his book would be adapted into a film, with Alexandre Aja set to direct and Mandalay Pictures and Red Granite Pictures producing. The casting of Radcliffe and Temple generated buzz, especially given Radcliffe’s history with fantasy roles. Aja expressed his excitement at the time, saying,

After reading Joe Hill’s cult book, I couldn’t resist temptation to dive into the devilish underworld and reinvent a universal myth.

Box Office Struggles and Critical Reception

Despite the anticipation, Horns struggled to find its audience. Over a 31-day run, the film grossed just under $3.9 million at the box office. Critics weren’t particularly kind either, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 41% and an audience rating of 49%. Many felt the film was tonally inconsistent and overly long, clocking in at two hours. Some reviewers found the symbolism heavy-handed, and the movie’s blend of genres didn’t always land as intended.

The story follows Ig Perrish, a 26-year-old ostracized by his community after being blamed for his girlfriend’s death. One morning, he wakes up with horns that compel people to reveal their darkest secrets and act on their impulses. Using these powers, Ig sets out to uncover the truth behind the tragedy. Flashbacks to Merrin’s childhood, featuring Carpenter, add depth to the narrative, but the film’s execution left some viewers wanting more.

Bright Spots and Lasting Impact

Even with its flaws, Horns had elements that resonated with fans of the genre. The concept of a devilish figure extracting confessions worked well in other media, like the TV series Lucifer. Radcliffe’s performance was widely seen as a highlight, marking a bold step in his post-Potter career and paving the way for his later, more unconventional roles. He actually replaced Shia LaBeouf, who was originally attached to the project.

Director Alexandre Aja, known for films like High Tension, The Hills Have Eyes, Mirrors, The 9th Life of Louis Drax, and Piranha 3D, brought his signature style to the adaptation. While Horns may not have achieved mainstream success, it remains a fascinating entry in the filmographies of both Radcliffe and Aja, as well as a testament to the enduring influence of the King family on the horror genre.

Horns is currently available to stream on The Roku Channel and MovieSphere+.