Overview
- The Sundance Midnight premiere is moving to a nationwide release Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, from Roadside Attractions and Saban Films.
- Buddy reframes a beloved children's‑TV mascot as a horror figure in a Casper Kelly film that stars Cristin Milioti with Keegan‑Michael Key voicing the title character.
- A new trailer released this week contrasts the bright, nostalgic TV world with darker turns without revealing the film's plot twists.
- Promotional activity includes an analog‑horror ARG on an 'It’s Buddy' YouTube channel that posts VHS‑style clips and a ModRetro/Chromatic announced Game Boy Color–style companion game.
- Some ARG videos reportedly mix near‑subliminal violent imagery into children's footage, and director Casper Kelly will appear for a Plaza Theatre Q&A in Atlanta concurrent with the release.