Asheville's Own Caleb Johnson to Make Acting Debut in Local Horror Film

WNC --  July 28, 2025:  From the "American Idol" stage to monster movie sets, Asheville native and Season 13 winner Caleb Johnson is set to make his acting debut in an upcoming horror film from Corpening Media.

This project marks a thrilling full-circle moment for Johnson, combining his lifelong passion for creature features with a return to his Western North Carolina roots.

Johnson, known globally for his powerful rock vocals, has always harbored a deep love for the horror genre. "Before music was my career, I was really into film. I wanted to be a horror filmmaker and direct monster movies," he shared. Growing up as a self-described "monster-movie kid," he found immense inspiration in classics like Godzilla and Universal monsters, drawn to their "bizarre, unique stories."

While his career took a musical path, his enthusiasm for horror never waned. He sees a strong connection between the two art forms. "I think a lot of rock artists are hugely inspired by horror movies," Johnson noted, citing rock legends like Gene Simmons of Kiss whose stage presence is influenced by classic monster films. "Horror movies are part of rock artists’ DNA. Like horror, there’s a danger to rock’n’roll, a fearlessness."

Johnson is taking a break from his current tour next month to step in front of the camera. The opportunity arose through a childhood connection with Betsy Pearl Cardwell, co-director of the film. The two met as teenagers in a film program at the now-defunct Blue Ridge Motion Pictures.

"I was fifteen at the time, and just movie-obsessed," Johnson recalled. "The course was two or almost three years, and we did some projects together... When Betsy contacted me a couple weeks ago and I immediately said yes. You don’t have to ask me twice."

Cardwell remembers Johnson's infectious enthusiasm for filmmaking. "The thing that set him apart from all the other students was his enthusiasm and excitement about filmmaking. His passion was absolutely contagious. I just knew that he’d go far in his field," she said, adding that she wasn't surprised by his musical success but also knew his love for movies would endure.

For Johnson, this project is particularly meaningful as it brings him back to the area that shaped him. "I was born and raised in Western North Carolina. This area holds a special place in my heart," he expressed. "It’s incredible to see how much the city has evolved since I was a kid... and now that I get to work with local artists and filmmakers, it’s incredible."

While details about his specific role are being kept under wraps to avoid spoilers, Johnson hints at a memorable performance. "What happens to me, and what I get to do when I’m face-to-face with that monster, it’s a dream come true."

The excitement is palpable among the film's crew. Co-director Jeff Corpening shared, "To say we are happy about working with Caleb would be an understatement. The excitement he has for our film, and his love of horror films in general, has proven infectious to our whole team. I can't wait to show everyone what he can do." Young co-star Carolyn Tkachenko is also eager to work alongside him, stating, "He’s an amazing performer, and I’m truly honored to learn from his experience and share the screen with him."

Local horror fans and Caleb Johnson's supporters alike can look forward to seeing this Asheville talent bring his lifelong love for monsters to the big screen.

Film Descrption: A group of friends in an isolated cabin are terrorized by a malevolent force that picks them off one-by-one. As each character is taken, the survivors forget that their friend ever existed, causing ripple effects that affect their personalities, relationships, and ability to survive the night.

Caleb Johnson (therememberfilm.com) Find more information about their project)

WNCTimes

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