Jonah Hauer-King, widely recognized for his portrayal of Prince Eric in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, has shifted gears into the realm of gothic horror. His latest project, The Face of Horror, made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 11, 2026. Following its debut in the Midnight Madness program, the film has earned an initial 70% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 10 reviews.
The 70% score marks a notable critical success for Hauer-King, currently ranking as his fourth-highest-rated project and outperforming the 67% score held by The Little Mermaid. The film represents a significant departure from his established “Disney Prince” image, casting him as a rogue figure in a brutal historical setting.
Subverting the Chivalrous Image
In The Face of Horror, Hauer-King stars as Edward Carnifex, a 14th-century knight whose actions are far removed from the heroism usually associated with the archetype. His character is described as a villainous opportunist who murders a landowner in order to marry his daughter, Eleanor, played by Kristine Froseth. The narrative follows Edward’s subsequent betrayal of Eleanor, which leads to her return as a vengeful ghost.
The performance allows Hauer-King to explore a darker, more predatory range. While his previous roles often emphasized charm and nobility, Edward Carnifex is a study in ruthlessness and moral decay. Joining Hauer-King and Froseth in the ensemble are Leo Suter (The Buccaneers) and Ellie Bamber (Willow).
Adapting a 201-Year-Old Legend
The film’s screenplay is an English-language adaptation of the classic 1825 Japanese Kabuki play Yotsuya Kaidan, written by Tsuruya Nanboku IV. While the original ghost story is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and the Edo period, director Anna Biller transposed the narrative to medieval England. This shift maintains the core themes of betrayal and supernatural retribution while utilizing a 14th-century aesthetic.
The production is a highly stylized undertaking led by Biller, who served as the film’s director, writer, producer, editor, and costume designer. To achieve a specific visual language reminiscent of 1960s Hammer horror films, the project was shot on 35mm film in Prague, Czech Republic. The use of Technicolor-inspired aesthetics contributes to the film’s “Midnight Madness” appeal, though some early reviews noted that the film’s deliberate pacing may be polarizing for general audiences.
By blending a 200-year-old Japanese legend with the trappings of European medieval horror, The Face of Horror positions itself as a unique entry in the genre. For Hauer-King, the project serves as a definitive break from his musical-theater roots, establishing his capability in more mature, atmospheric storytelling.
