A cryptic teaser trailer for A24's upcoming horror film "Slayground" has sparked speculation that the movie could be inspired by one of Tennessee's most infamous attractions: McKamey Manor.
The possible connection was mentioned in an episode of The Big Picture podcast, in which the hosts discussed the possible real-world influence behind the project's premise, which, according to the trailer, is about a haunted house attraction with an extreme and seemingly fatal experience.
Located in Summertown, TN, McKamey Manor has drawn international attention because participants had to pass a screening process and sign a 40-page waiver. Operated by Russ McKamey, the attraction has been the subject of a Hulu documentary where participants and former staff
discuss experiences alleging physical and psychological torture.
A24 has revealed few details about the film, but the Sept. 21 teaser appears to mirror what people have reported occurred at the harrowing Tennessee haunted house.
Is 'Slayground' based on Tennessee's McKamey Manor?
The Big Picture podcast host Sean Fennessey briefly discussed the possible connection between the film and the infamous Tennessee haunted house attraction during a Sept. 22 episode of the podcast.
"What it may be about, which is this very famous haunted attraction in Tennessee that was very dangerous," Fennessey said. "There were a lot of things done supposedly without consent to the people who were participating," Fennessey added when asked by his co-host, Amanda Dobbins, about how dangerous the attraction was.
A24 has not confirmed Fennessey's theory and has yet to reply to The Tennessean's request for comment regarding a possible McKamey Manor's connection to the film.
Why is McKamey Manor so controversial?
The extreme haunted house attraction and its owner have drawn years of intense controversy, resulting in lawsuits as well as a Hulu documentary.
The last time the attraction gained significant attention was in 2024, after Hulu released its documentary "Monster Inside," which examined allegations from former participants and detailed alleged abusive practices at the attraction. After the documentary's release, McKamey filed an $8.4 million lawsuit against Hulu and production company North of Now Film and TV.
"I was advised not to talk about the lawsuit, but I can say that Russ and McKamey Manor (have) been abusing people and scamming people for years now, and I will do what I legally can to make sure people know the truth and to try and prevent more people from becoming victims," said former participant and interview subject Justin Yerace in a statement after McKamey filed the lawsuit. McKamey also filed a lawsuit against Yerace.
Later that year in July, McKamey made headlines again after being charged with attempted second-degree murder and rape after a domestic altercation with his girlfriend. McKamey's charges were ultimately dropped in September 2024, and he also dropped his lawsuit against Hulu in August of that year.
Despite the allegations and lawsuits, McKamey Manor's official website indicates that it is still open.
When is A24's 'Slayground' being released in theaters?
Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, the filmmaker behind "Green Room" and "Rebel Ridge," "Slayground" stars Corey Michael Smith, Chase Sui Wonders and Sophie Wilde.
According to The Big Picture podcast, the film was originally titled "October," but exactly what it is about remains unclear. Based on the trailer, which features security camera footage of frightened people encountering the attraction's characters, the movie appears to center on a haunted house that takes things too far by putting participants through physically and psychologically terrifying ordeals.
In addition to the trailer, the film has launched an ominous website called "Run Like Hell," featuring what appears to be a countdown clock suggesting the film will be released on Oct. 19.
Peter Burditt covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact him at PBurditt@nashvill.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Is A24's 'Slayground' based on Tennessee's infamous McKamey Manor? What we know so far
