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Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 3 MIN.

When Cher’s name appears in headlines, audiences expect glamour, music, and activism. This October, the iconic multi-hyphenate is making waves in a new arena: horror cinema. As the executive producer of “Big Baby,” a meta slasher film written and directed by Spider One, Cher’s involvement is drawing attention not only from horror enthusiasts but also from LGBTQ+ media and fans who see her as a trailblazer for representation and inclusion in entertainment.

“Big Baby” centers on Adam Lewis, a horror screenwriter (played by Brandon Scott), who finds himself haunted by a graphic nightmare featuring a masked, hulking killer—a baby mask serving as the film’s chilling motif. Krsy Fox, known for her work in “Terrifier 3,” joins Scott in leading the cast, which is set to challenge slasher conventions with a self-aware, genre-savvy narrative. The film’s teaser, released this week, promises a blend of psychological tension and dark humor, with Spider One (also recognized for “Bury the Bride” and “Little Bites”) bringing his distinctive style to the project.

The world premiere is scheduled for October 9, 2025, at Screamfest LA, held at the iconic Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The event is anticipated to draw horror fans, critics, and LGBTQ+ community members who have long celebrated Cher’s contributions to entertainment and advocacy.

Cher’s role as executive producer is significant for multiple reasons. Her decades-long advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, coupled with her status as a beloved icon within the community, adds a layer of meaning to “Big Baby.” While horror historically has a mixed record on LGBTQ+ representation—sometimes perpetuating stereotypes, other times serving as a subversive space for queer expression—Cher’s involvement signals a move toward more inclusive storytelling.

Though “Big Baby” is not being marketed explicitly as a queer-themed film, the creative team’s openness to diverse casting and narrative subversion aligns with ongoing efforts to make genre cinema more welcoming for LGBTQ+ audiences. Spider One’s previous work has been noted for its willingness to challenge norms and embrace outsider perspectives, a point echoed by Cher’s own career as an artist who has never shied away from defying convention.

Meta horror films—those that play with and comment on genre conventions—are particularly resonant for LGBTQ+ viewers who often navigate coded and subtextual representations in mainstream media. “Big Baby” promises to interrogate tropes such as masked killers, victim archetypes, and the thin line between fiction and reality, inviting viewers to reflect on the stories horror tells about identity and fear.

Brandon Scott’s character, a screenwriter plagued by nightmares, can be seen as a metaphor for the anxieties that come with self-expression in a world that often marginalizes difference. The film’s self-referential tone, paired with Cher’s history of advocacy, offers a unique opportunity for media to discuss the intersection of horror and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Initial reactions within LGBTQ+ circles have been enthusiastic, with many expressing excitement at Cher’s involvement and Spider One’s reputation for boundary-pushing storytelling. Social media platforms, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), have seen trending discussions using hashtags such as #CherHorror and #BigBabyPremiere (Instagram: @CherOfficial, X: @SpiderOneOfficial), highlighting both the celebrity draw and the potential for meaningful representation in genre cinema.

As the film prepares for its Screamfest LA debut, media outlets and LGBTQ+ organizations are planning coverage and watch parties, eager to see how “Big Baby” engages with themes of identity, fear, and survival.

Cher’s participation in “Big Baby” is the latest in a series of creative projects that reflect her commitment to diversity in entertainment. From her music career—frequently cited as influential in queer nightlife and Pride celebrations—to her public support for transgender people and advocacy for equality, Cher’s legacy is woven into the fabric of LGBTQ+ culture.

“Big Baby” offers a platform not only for genre innovation but also for conversations about representation, power, and inclusion in Hollywood. As the horror film premieres, it stands as a testament to Cher’s enduring influence and the growing demand for authentic, inclusive storytelling across all genres.

“Big Baby” represents a moment of change in horror cinema. With Cher at the helm and Spider One’s meta approach, the film is positioned to challenge expectations and offer new perspectives. Its premiere at Screamfest LA is likely to spark further dialogue about the role of LGBTQ+ artists and stories in shaping the future of entertainment.

As audiences await reviews and reactions from the premiere, the excitement surrounding “Big Baby” underscores the continued importance of visibility, diversity, and innovation in media—a message that resonates deeply within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.


by Jason St. Amand

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