The actress returns to the genre with a creature feature set in the Amazon, directed by Mike P. Nelson and co-starring Kiana Madeira.
Beware Boiúna Hits Theaters
Jessica Rothe is back in the horror spotlight with Beware Boiúna, now playing in theaters. The film, directed by Mike P. Nelson — known for his upcoming Saw 11, stars Rothe as Alli, a medical student on a humanitarian mission in the Amazon. Her group encounters a legendary black serpent from Brazilian folklore, plunging them into a fight for survival.
She’s joined by Kiana Madeira, who plays Lena, an Amazon native and crucial guide. The duo forms a dynamic pair of final girls, a trend gaining momentum in 2026’s horror slate. Rothe praised the growing space for strong female leads, noting that multiple scream queen duos are now sharing screen time without diminishing either character.
A Return to Roots
Rothe’s return to horror follows years spent in dramas, sci-fi, crime, and even a comedy pilot. But she says the genre still feels like home. "Horror fans really take care of their own," she told The Hollywood Reporter. "And it’s where some of the most exciting storytelling is happening right now."
This year alone, she has five horror films released or premiered: Affection, Imposters, Beware Boiúna, River, and Pathetic Fallacy. The variety shows how far the genre has evolved beyond formulaic scares.
River’s Success Could Spark a Sequel
Her role in River, which premiered at TIFF, was particularly impactful. The film sold for over $10 million despite already having a distribution deal, drawing bids from major players including Jason Blum and Universal. Rothe received a personal text from Blum post-screening, calling it a "lovely" moment.
That success may help revive talks about Happy Death Day 3, also known as Happy Death Day to Us. Rothe met with director Christopher Landon six months ago to rework the story around Tree’s adult life, seven years after the second film. The original vision remains intact, but now grounded in a more mature timeline.
"It’s not a story that’s going to time out," Rothe said. "We’ve gotten more specific about who Tree is now."
Filming in the Amazon
Shooting on the actual Amazon River added authenticity to Beware Boiúna. Rothe said her own background influenced her portrayal of Alli, though she didn’t elaborate further. The film’s setting and creature design aim to honor Brazilian folklore while delivering visceral thrills.
With River set for a January theatrical release and Beware Boiúna in cinemas, Rothe’s 2026 is defined by a bold return to horror. And a quiet hope that the momentum carries over to future projects.
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