Bad Influence is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing YA horror projects on the horizon. With Xochitl Gomez, Madeleine McGraw and Jack Champion now attached, the upcoming film blends a spring-break road trip premise with mystery, danger and a sharp female-driven edge that could make Bad Influence a standout in the crowded teen thriller space.
The new casting announcement gives the film immediate genre credibility. Gomez, McGraw and Champion each bring strong recognition from major studio franchises and buzzy youth-oriented titles, raising expectations for Bad Influence as both a horror release and a conversation-starting coming-of-age story.
Bad Influence adds rising stars to a high-concept YA horror story
Directed by Jason Perlman and written by Brandon Cohen, Bad Influence has been described as a modern-day Thelma & Louise powered by female rage. That comparison alone hints at a movie that wants to be more than a straightforward scare fest. At its core, the story follows Isabelle, played by Madeleine McGraw, and Kira, played by Xochitl Gomez, as they head home for spring break.
What begins as a road trip takes a darker turn when the pair pick up a mysterious hitchhiker, Liam, who is played by Jack Champion. As the premise suggests, Liam is not who he seems, opening the door to supernatural, psychological or genre-bending twists that could define Bad Influence as a fresh entry in YA horror.
The setup is simple but effective:
- Two young women on a road trip
- A hitchhiker with hidden motives
- A survival story infused with anger, fear and personal transformation
- A contemporary YA horror lens with thriller energy
Why the Bad Influence cast is generating attention
Xochitl Gomez continues a fast-rising career
Xochitl Gomez has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young talents. After breaking through to a global audience in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, she has continued to build a versatile screen presence through family entertainment, television and voice work. She is also known to many viewers from The Baby-Sitters Club and her winning run on Dancing with the Stars.
Her involvement in Bad Influence signals that the film is aiming for emotional intensity as well as commercial appeal. Gomez has demonstrated charisma, toughness and vulnerability, all qualities that suit a role in a road thriller driven by pressure and escalating danger.
Madeleine McGraw brings proven horror experience
Madeleine McGraw is no stranger to suspenseful storytelling. She recently returned as Gwen Blake in The Black Phone 2, and her broader resume includes notable roles in American Sniper, Cars 3, Ant-Man and the Wasp and Toy Story 4. That mix of emotionally grounded acting and franchise familiarity makes her a strong fit for Bad Influence.
In a film that appears to center heavily on fear, instinct and survival, McGraw’s experience in horror and high-stakes drama could be especially important.
Jack Champion adds mystery and franchise power
Jack Champion has become a familiar face thanks to his role as Spider in the Avatar franchise, and genre fans will also recognize him from Scream VI. His recent appearance in Netflix’s Don’t Say Good Luck further expands his momentum. In Bad Influence, Champion takes on the key role of Liam, the enigmatic hitchhiker whose true nature drives the central threat.
That casting choice feels strategic. Champion has the screen presence to play both charming and unsettling, which is essential for a character built around uncertainty and suspicion.
What Bad Influence could mean for YA horror
The YA horror genre has evolved in recent years, moving beyond jump scares and formulaic slasher beats. Audiences increasingly respond to stories that combine social tension, emotional realism and genre thrills. Bad Influence appears to be tapping directly into that trend.
Its biggest strengths, at least on paper, include:
- A female-led narrative: The film centers on two young women navigating danger on their own terms.
- A road-movie structure: The open road naturally creates isolation, unpredictability and suspense.
- A modern rage angle: Describing the film as fueled by female rage suggests deeper themes beneath the horror premise.
- Young star appeal: The cast gives the project reach across Marvel, horror and blockbuster fandoms.
If the film leans into character psychology and social commentary while still delivering genuine scares, Bad Influence could resonate well with teen and young adult audiences looking for horror with substance.
Producers, sales and industry backing
The producing team behind Bad Influence includes Debbie Liebling, Joel David Moore and Zachary Burgess. Liebling and Moore previously worked together on mainstream comedies like Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and Grandma’s Boy, which makes this darker YA project an interesting pivot.
The executive producer lineup includes Steven Silverstein, Cathy Raduns, Raymond Merrill, Carmelo Chimera, Syed Ali Saeed, Denis Schoenhofer, Natalie Kline and Jarod Einsohn. Meanwhile, Capture is handling sales for the film, an important detail that suggests the project is already being positioned carefully in the marketplace.
For buyers and distributors, Bad Influence offers a compelling package: an accessible concept, recognizable young talent and built-in genre appeal.
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Final thoughts on Bad Influence
With Xochitl Gomez, Madeleine McGraw and Jack Champion on board, Bad Influence has all the ingredients of a breakout YA horror film: a strong cast, a sharp hook and a premise that promises more than routine thrills. If the finished movie delivers on its female-driven road-horror concept, Bad Influence could become one of the most talked-about genre titles to watch.
For fans of teen thrillers, rising Hollywood talent and suspense stories with a modern edge, Bad Influence is now firmly on the radar.
