New Cast Members Join YA Horror Film 'Bad Influence' as Production Wraps

New Additions to the Ensemble Cast

The YA horror film Bad Influence, directed by Jason Perlman and written by Brandon Cohen, has completed filming and announced its expanded cast. Joining previously revealed stars Xochitl Gomez, Madeleine McGraw, and Jack Champion are veteran actors John Cho, Ethan Suplee, Danny Jolles, Arnas Fedaravičius, Ana Ortiz, Jacob Vargas, and Michelle Macedo.

Plot and Themes

Bad Influence follows Isabelle (McGraw) and Kira (Gomez), two young women on a road trip home for spring break who pick up a mysterious hitchhiker, Liam (to be played by an unconfirmed actor), whose true nature complicates their journey. The film is described as a modern-day Thelma & Louise, driven by themes of female rage and rebellion.

Production Details

Produced by Debbie Liebling, Joel David Moore, and Zachary Burgess, the project benefits from Moore and Liebling’s experience with comedies like Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) and Grandma’s Boy (2006). Executive producers include Ojan Missaghi and David Wachs of Toric, alongside a list of industry veterans. Capture is handling sales for the film.

Cast Backgrounds

John Cho, known for Harold & Kumar and Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, brings comedic and dramatic range. Ethan Suplee (My Name Is Earl, Twisted Metal) and Danny Jolles (Hacks, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) add seasoned acting experience. Lithuanian actor Arnas Fedaravičius (The White Lotus) and Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty, Imperfect Women) round out the ensemble. Jacob Vargas (Sons of Anarchy) and Michelle Macedo (High Potential) complete the cast.

Industry Context

The film joins a growing slate of YA-focused horror projects, capitalizing on the genre’s popularity among streaming platforms and theatrical releases. Its Thelma & Louise comparison positions it as a feminist-tinged road-trip thriller, though specific details about its tone and runtime remain undisclosed.

Practical Implications

With filming wrapped, Bad Influence is likely entering post-production, with potential festival screenings or a 2027 release window. The diverse cast and experienced producers suggest a focus on character-driven storytelling, though the film’s budget and distribution strategy are unclear. Comparisons to recent YA horror successes like The Fear Street Trilogy (2021) may influence its marketing.

What’s Confirmed vs. Unknown

Confirmed: The cast, director, writer, and production status. Unknown: Release date, budget, distribution platform, and detailed plot beyond the basic premise. The role of Liam and the film’s final tone remain unconfirmed by the producers.

Verification

Readers can verify details via the original Deadline article at [deadline.com/2026/10/bad-influence-adds-john-cho-ethan-suplee-ya-horror-cast-1237208977/](https://deadline.com/2026/10/bad-influence-adds-john-cho-ethan-suplee-ya-horror-cast-1237208977/). The article includes agent representation for the cast, adding credibility to the announcements.

Keywords

Bad Influence, YA horror, Jason Perlman, Brandon Cohen, John Cho, Ethan Suplee, Xochitl Gomez, Madeleine McGraw, film casting, Thelma & Louise