Chris Landon (Writer, Director, Producer) on Growing Up in Hollywood & Creating "Feel-Good Horror"

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with Chris Landon, the acclaimed writer, director, and producer known for films like Happy Death Day , Freaky , Disturbia , and most recently, Heart Eyes . Son of television legend Michael Landon, Chris has carved his own path in Hollywood, specializing in horror comedy or what he calls "feel-good horror." He candidly shares personal stories about his Hollywood upbringing, coming out, surviving kidney cancer, and the creative approaches that have defined his successful career. Growing Up as Michael Landon's Son (05:04) Landon discusses his childhood as the son of a famous father, his parents' divorce, and how his mother's sudden religious conversion impacted his youth. Facing Personal Challenges (10:56) Chris opens up about his father's untimely death from pancreatic cancer when Chris was just 16, and his own journey as a cancer survivor, sharing an important message about health vigilance. Early Film Influences and Career Beginnings (12:07) Landon talks about his early love for horror films, how watching his father's fulfillment at work influenced him, and his introduction to both horror and emotional films like Terms of Endearment . From Writer to Director's Jail (24:41) Chris details his path from writing Disturbia to joining the Paranormal Activity franchise after boldly speaking up in a meeting, his experience with residuals, and eventually facing "director's jail" after Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse . Breaking through with Happy Death Day (38:38) Landon shares the story of how he resurrected a shelved script called Half to Death that became Happy Death Day , a $5 million film that grossed around $150 million and revitalized his career. Learning from Test Screenings (43:17) Landon explains key insights gained from audience screenings, including respecting the audience's intelligence and never betraying the rules established in a film. Upcoming Film: Drop (46:48) Landon previews his new edge-of-your-seat thriller Drop (releasing April 11), calling it his "grown-up movie" and a modern-day Hitchcock thriller starring Meagan Fahy. Throughout the conversation, Chris Landon demonstrates his resilience, creative vision, and commitment to authentic storytelling. From navigating Hollywood as the son of a legend to creating his own distinct voice in the horror genre, his journey offers insights into filmmaking, audience engagement, and personal growth. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. Host: Kevin Goetz Guest: Chris Landon Producer: Kari Campano Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, Nick Nunez, and Kari Campano Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment) For more information about Chris Landon: Wikipedia: https For more information about Kevin Goetz: - Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com - Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678 - How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/ - Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360 - LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz - Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com