The star from Super Mario transforms into a terrifying antagonist in the latest Buddy movie trailer.
In this horror-comedy, the main character Buddy is costumed as a bright orange unicorn and acts as the presenter of the whimsical kids’ TV show It’s Buddy!, echoing the vibe of Barney. Keegan-Michael Key, who earlier lent his voice to Toad in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, now embodies Buddy, swapping his family-friendly animated environment for the grittier atmosphere of a live-action, R-rated horror film.
The newly released second teaser for Buddy begins with a nostalgic VCR tape effect, showing children joyously running towards and embracing the orange unicorn as the show’s emblem appears onscreen. This cheerful scene quickly turns eerie with creepy laughter and shots of kids obediently following and dancing with Buddy. The sinister undertone escalates with visuals of children in tears, Buddy peering into a well, and looming ominously behind a fence. Watch the trailer here:
Cristin Milioti provides the voiceover in the trailer, expressing confusion over the absence of any records of the It’s Buddy! show. She suggests that the program is more than just a lost 1990s series; it’s as if it never existed at all. Below is the official movie synopsis:
Do you remember BUDDY—the vivid orange unicorn who hosted that beloved children’s TV show, bringing joy and valuable lessons into homes?
Within the vibrant realm of It’s Buddy!, kids spend their time singing, dancing, and aiding Buddy in disseminating cheer. However, when one child decides not to cooperate, Buddy’s displeasure becomes evident, and cracks start to form in this ostensibly idyllic universe.
While the initial teasers hinted at the underlying horror within the colorful children’s show, the latest trailer also delves into the story involving Milioti’s character, Grace, an adult attempting to prove the show’s existence and uncover its mysteries.
Buddy premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, quickly becoming a highlight and achieving a favorable 84% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 31 reviews. It is set to hit theaters on August 28, featuring a stellar cast that includes Key, Milioti, Michael Shannon, Topher Grace, Patton Oswalt, and Delaney Quinn.
The film was directed by Casper Kelly, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jamie King. Kelly has a history in the horror genre, having co-written the 2018 Nicolas Cage horror film Mandy and directed and co-written the 2014 short horror film Too Many Cooks. Both Kelly and King served as executive producers along with a team including Kevin Flanigan, Dexter Braff, Roberto Linck, and several others, while producers such as Tyler Davidson and Drew Sykes led the production team. Margules and Lifshitz, who previously produced Friendship and Weapons, were also involved.
Following the success of Friendship and the blockbuster hit Weapons, which grossed $278 million worldwide on a $38 million budget and earned Amy Madigan an Academy Award, Buddy is poised to capitalize on the current wave of successful indie horror films like Obsession and Backrooms. Additionally, its thematic and stylistic elements might draw fans of the popular Five Nights at Freddy’s series.
Buddy is slated for release in theaters on August 28.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
