Tony Hale, the Emmy-winning actor best known for his roles in Veep and Arrested Development, is stepping into uncharted territory with his latest project—the horror comedy Sketch. In a newly released behind-the-scenes featurette, Hale gives fans a first look at the film’s terrifying creatures, describing them as “absolutely horrifying in the best way possible.”
The film, which blends dark humor with supernatural scares, follows Hale as a struggling artist who discovers that his drawings have come to life—with deadly consequences. As he attempts to outrun his own creations, the line between imagination and reality blurs in increasingly bizarre and frightening ways.
First Look: Hale vs. Monsters
The exclusive footage reveals Hale’s character frantically sketching in a dimly lit apartment, only for his drawings to peel off the page and stalk him in the real world. The practical effects-heavy creatures range from grotesque humanoid figures to nightmarish, ink-like entities that shift and slither across walls.
“These monsters are next-level creepy,” Hale says in the featurette. “I’d be drawing something, then turn around and suddenly there’s this… thing staring at me. The effects team did an incredible job making them feel real and unpredictable.”
Director Damian Leone (Terrifier 2) brings his signature blend of horror and humor to the project, creating a tone that oscillates between laugh-out-loud absurdity and genuine dread.
Why ‘Sketch’ Stands Out
While horror comedies are nothing new, Sketch distinguishes itself with its unique premise and Hale’s against-type performance. Known primarily for his comedic roles, Hale embraces the film’s darker elements while still delivering his trademark wit.
“Tony is hilarious, but he’s also surprisingly great at selling the terror,” Leone explains. “There’s a scene where he’s being chased by a monster he designed as a joke, and the way he switches from laughter to pure panic is masterful.”
The film also explores deeper themes about creativity, guilt, and the dangers of an unchecked imagination—elevating it beyond a simple creature feature.
The Monster Design Process
The featurette delves into the creation of the film’s creatures, showcasing the collaboration between practical effects artists and CGI teams. Each monster is tied to a specific emotion or memory from Hale’s character, making them feel personal and psychologically unsettling.
“We wanted these creatures to feel like they crawled out of a sketchbook,” says lead creature designer Sarah Rubano (The Witcher). “They’re imperfect, smudged, sometimes even silly—until they turn deadly.”
Supporting Cast & Release Plans
Sketch also stars:
- Sam Richardson (The Afterparty) as Hale’s skeptical best friend
- Aisling Bea (Living with Yourself) as an art dealer with secrets of her own
- Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows) as a conspiracy theorist who might be the only person who believes Hale
The film is currently in post-production and is expected to premiere at Fantastic Fest ahead of a 2025 theatrical release.
Final Thoughts
With its inventive premise, terrifying creatures, and Hale’s standout performance, Sketch could be the horror comedy event of next year. As the actor puts it in the featurette: “It’s like my worst nightmare—if my worst nightmare also made me laugh until I screamed.”