Horror Dadz Productions has released the first trailer for its upcoming feature film, A MAN IN THE WOODS WITH AN AXE, the latest horror project from writer and director Dillon Brown and Found TV.
At first glance, the title may conjure images of a traditional backwoods slasher, but audiences should be warned: A MAN IN THE WOODS WITH AN AXE is not what it appears to be.
While the film proudly pays homage to the beloved woodland slashers of the 1980s, Brown’s latest feature embraces a deliberate bait-and-switch approach designed to keep viewers guessing. What begins as a familiar horror setup gradually unfolds into something far stranger, blending slasher conventions with the voyeuristic unease of The Truman Show, and the offbeat dark comedy sensibilities that made Tucker and Dale vs. Evil a cult favorite.
“We wanted the title to create certain expectations,” says Brown. “The fun comes from pulling the rug out from under the audience. This isn’t simply a movie about a man in the woods with an axe. The deeper viewers go, the more they’ll realize something very unusual is happening beneath the surface.”
The film stars Clare Stephenson, Hannah Welty, Michael Rock, and Dustin Tamplen, bringing to life a story that spans decades and explores a mystery far larger than its deceptively simple title suggests.
Continuing Horror Dadz Productions’ commitment to practical filmmaking, A MAN IN THE WOODS WITH AN AXE relies heavily on practical effects, makeup, and in-camera techniques rather than CGI. The production embraces old-school horror craftsmanship, delivering tangible scares and authentic visuals inspired by the genre classics that helped define an era.
“We’re huge fans of practical effects,” Brown explains. “There’s something timeless and visceral about seeing real makeup effects, real blood gags, and practical creatures or scares happening right in front of the camera.” With a budget of only $10,000, hand crafting most of the effects in Brown’s garage was how the team went about it. “If we needed something in particular for a shot, we just had to figure out how to build it ourselves and make it happen. I studied a lot of FX shots in older movies to figure out how they did it.”
The newly released trailer offers only a glimpse into the film’s mysteries, introducing audiences to the unsettling atmosphere and nostalgic aesthetic while carefully guarding the larger secrets hidden within the story.
Produced by Horror Dadz Productions, A MAN IN THE WOODS WITH AN AXE is currently in production and is set to arrive on Found TV in early 2027 before hitting other popular streamers.
Watch the trailer below
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