Christopher Landon Reflects on Horror Legacy with ‘Drop’

LOS ANGELES, CA — Director Christopher Landon, known for his horror films such as ‘Happy Death Day’ and ‘Freaky,’ is set to release his latest project, ‘Drop,’ on April 11. The film follows a widowed mother, portrayed by Meghann Fahy, whose date night spirals into terror when she receives threatening messages from a mysterious hooded figure.

In an exclusive interview with The Post, Landon revealed that his fascination with horror began in childhood, largely due to his father, Michael Landon, famous for his role in ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ “The truth is, the reason why I got into horror movies is because he loved them,” Landon shared. “When I was a kid, we watched them together.”

Michael Landon, renowned for his work in television, starred in the 1957 cult classic ‘I Was a Teenage Werewolf’ and passed away from pancreatic cancer in 1994 when Christopher was just 16. Recalling their movie nights, Chris said they watched iconic horror films like ‘Friday the 13th,’ ‘Halloween,’ and ‘The Shining.’

‘Drop’ features a suspenseful narrative where the protagonist must make grave decisions to protect her family as she grapples with the demands of her tormentor. “I think that the real fun of the movie was just sort of taking this lone piece of technology and then seeing how it gets turned against us,” Landon explained.

Working with Fahy, fresh off her success in the television series ‘The Bold Type,’ was a “dream come true” for Landon. “I had to really pinch myself,” he added. The two connected instantly, leading to a productive collaboration. “I walked away from that meeting feeling like, I think I got her,” he said.

As the release of ‘Drop’ approaches, Landon is eager for audiences to experience the film in theaters. He described it as an “absolute thrill ride,” emphasizing that viewers will feel a range of emotions while watching. “They’re going to be scared, they’re gonna be a nervous wreck, they’re gonna laugh and they’re gonna cheer,” he said. “I’m really hoping that people show up and see it in the theater the way it’s meant to be seen.”

Before directing ‘Drop,’ Landon was slated to helm ‘Scream 7’ but later stepped away from the project. While discussing the shift, he stated, “Oh, I’m over it. Very rearview mirror for me.” During this transition, Landon faced backlash when actress Melissa Barrera was dismissed from her role, a situation he described as “messy.” He clarified, “I did not fire her,” and expressed that the fallout from the incident was intense for both him and his family.

Reflecting on his career of late, Landon noted significant changes in his creative approach since becoming a parent. He commented, “They’re the whole reason I do what I do now,” referring to his two children with his husband, Cody Morris. “Having children opened my eyes and reoriented the way that I want to work and the kinds of things I want to put out in the world.”

In the lead-up to ‘Drop,’ Landon hosted a premiere at the iconic Chinese Theater in Hollywood, a venue that holds personal significance for him. “I grew up in that theater… it was really like my temple,” he remarked. He expressed a desire for his late parents to share this milestone, acknowledging the impact of his dad’s love for horror on his career.

Further, Landon expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of a third film in the ‘Happy Death Day’ franchise, stating, “Something is brewing! We’re finally like, the door’s gotten pushed open again.” He teased that the third installment will take the series in a new direction while concluding the trilogy. “It really is sort of a conclusion to the trilogy,” he indicated。

In the meantime, Christopher Landon is excited to share ‘Drop’ with audiences, reflecting on the fun moments captured during filming, including a playful interaction with Fahy on set that drew laughter from the crew. “On our very last setup… I snuck off, put the outfit on and no one knew I was doing it,” he recalled, adding that the experience brought joy to both him and those around him.

‘Drop’ hits theaters April 11.