‘The Fuzzies’ Trailer Unleashes Killer Puppet Mayhem Ahead of May Release

Apr 1

Published April 1, 2026 - BLOODY DISGUSTING

By Meagan Navarro

Terror Films Releasing is teaming with filmmakers Josh Funk and Dustin Vaught to release horror-comedy The Fuzzies, centered around the puppetry and practical effects of its murderously playful puppets.

Watch the new trailer below, highlighting some of the Pee-Wee’s Playhouse-style shenanigans as puppets are unleashed. Playtime is over.

The Fuzzies releases on Digital on May 1, 2026.

It follows “a group of friends who reunite at their childhood friend’s eerie estate after her death, where they soon uncover a nightmare: the grotesque puppets from her famous children’s TV show are alive. Blending practical puppetry, stop-motion horror, and dark humor, The Fuzzies explores friendship, fame, and buried monsters.”

Rocío de la Grana (Rose), Baylee Toney (Mary), Dustin Vaught (Mick), and Gordy Cassell (Shirley/Sunny Smiles) star.

Director Josh Funk, who co-wrote and produced with Dustin Vaught, said in a statement, “The Fuzzies is a horror-comedy born from a fascination with the uncanny, specifically the strange power of puppets and stop-motion animation to feel both comforting and deeply unsettling. Drawing inspiration from children’s television of the 1970s and ‘80s, the film explores how bright sets, felt textures, and cheerful characters become disorienting when stripped of their warmth.

“The Fuzzies embraces the tactile imperfections of handmade filmmaking to tell a story about nostalgia curdling into terror, and the monsters we carry with us from childhood,” he continued.

Look for The Fuzzies next month across a variety of platforms including Vudu, Amazon, Tubi, Chilling, and more.

Josh Funk

I am an artist and filmmaker from Chico, CA specializing in dark and quirky creations that emphasize fantasy and imagination. Using practical methods such as stop-motion animation, illustration, props and elaborate sets, I strive for stunning and memorable images in all of my work. I began my career drawing and designing concert posters for bands, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Chico in 2007, founded the Design firm, Code Nine Design in 2008 and created an instructional Magic Graphic Novel (Sinful) in 2009 for Wayne Houchin (Discovery Channel Host of "Breaking Magic"). In 2013 I released my first stop-motion animated short film Wormholes and am currently developing a live action/stop-motion film titled The Spaceman. I am very passionate about creating and collaborating and look forward to the coming years and what challenges and opportunities they may bring. EMPLOYMENT: Producer, Director Heavy Signal January 2012 – Present (3 years)Chico, california area Producer and Director for Music Videos and short films including the stop-motion animated short "Wormholes". I am currently in production on the live-action / stop-motion film "The Spaceman" due out in February, 2015. Freelance: Illustration / Stop-Motion Animation / Design June 2000 – Present (14 years 7 months)Chico, California Area Illustration: My illustration work specializes in mixing pencil and digital mediums together. My subject matter is strongly based on character design, animals, and other worldly creatures. Stop-Motion Animation: I have experience animating, creating storyboards, puppet, & set design for stop-motion animated projects. Design: My design focuses on album covers, movie posters, and promotional materials within the entertainment industries. Songwriting & Music Production June 1996 – Present (18 years 7 months)Chico, California Area Songwriting and Music Production for albums, independent films and instructional DVDs released worldwide. Visiting Lecturer California State University, Chico September 2014 – September 2014 (1 month) Lectured on my experience with Stop-Motion Animation, book illustration, filmmaking and how to use your art degree after graduation. Freelance Writer Videomaker July 2013 – January 2014 (7 months)Videomaker Stop-Motion animation writer for Videomaker.com on the topic of Stop-Motion Animation Techniques. Creative Consultant WH Entertainment March 2013 – July 2013 (5 months) Creative Consultant and Art Director for the world touring production "Moments of Insanity". Owner, Designer Code Nine Design LLC July 2008 – December 2011 (3 years 6 months) A Northern California based Design Firm that focused on Illustration, Branding Campaigns within the Music & Entertainment Industry, & Web Design. EDUCATION: California State University-Chico B.A, Art Studio 2004 – 2007 In Drawing & Electronic Art. Minor in Art History. INTERESTS: - Stop-Motion Animation - Illustration - Filmmaking

‘The Fuzzies’ Trailer Unleashes Killer Puppet Mayhem Ahead of May Release

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