How Stephen King’s Legacy Shaped Daniel Radcliffe’s Horns

Back in 2013, Daniel Radcliffe took on a role that was a far cry from his wizarding days, starring in a darkly comic fantasy that didn’t exactly set the box office alight. Horns, a blend of horror and black humour, saw Radcliffe’s character sprout a pair of horns and gain some rather unsettling supernatural powers. Juno Temple played his ill-fated girlfriend, while a young Sabrina Carpenter appeared as her character’s younger self. Despite the intriguing premise, the film didn’t make much of a splash with punters or critics at the time.

What many might not realise is that Horns has a direct link to the so-called King of Horror. The story is based on a novel by Joe Hill, who happens to be the son of Stephen King and Tabitha King. Hill, whose real name is Joseph King, has carved out his own reputation in the world of horror and fantasy, with works like Heart-Shaped Box, NOS4A2, The Fireman, and King Sorrow. Like his famous dad, Hill has seen several of his stories adapted for the screen. Horns, in particular, was recognised in literary circles, earning a nomination for the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel in 2010.

From Page to Screen: The Making of Horns

Joe Hill announced the film adaptation in 2012, with Alexandre Aja set to direct and Mandalay Pictures and Red Granite Pictures producing. The casting of Radcliffe and Temple generated a bit of buzz, especially given Radcliffe’s knack for fantasy roles. Aja, reflecting on the project, said:

After reading Joe Hill’s cult book, I couldn’t resist temptation to dive into the devilish underworld and reinvent a universal myth.

Despite the anticipation, Horns struggled to find its audience. Over its month-long run, it pulled in just under $4 million at the box office. Reviews weren’t much kinder, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 41% and an audience rating of 49%. The film’s reception was lukewarm at best, and it quickly faded from the spotlight.

Plot, Performances, and What Didn’t Land

Horns follows 26-year-old Ig Perrish, who wakes up one morning to find himself accused of murdering his girlfriend, Merrin Williams. Ostracised by his community, Ig discovers he’s grown horns that compel people to reveal their darkest secrets. Using these new abilities, he sets out to uncover the truth behind Merrin’s death. Flashbacks to their childhood, featuring Sabrina Carpenter as young Merrin, add depth to the story.

While the source material was strong, the film’s execution left a bit to be desired. Critics pointed to its uneven tone and lengthy runtime as major drawbacks. The symbolism, intended to be thought-provoking, often came off as a bit silly. The film’s attempt to juggle horror, comedy, and drama didn’t quite hit the mark for many viewers.

What Horns Got Right

Still, there were elements that worked. The idea of a devilish figure compelling confessions was later used to great effect in the TV series Lucifer. For fans of horror-fantasy, Horns offered plenty to enjoy. Radcliffe, who stepped in after Shia LaBeouf dropped out, delivered a solid performance that helped set the tone for his later, more offbeat roles. The film also stands out as one of Alexandre Aja’s more interesting projects, alongside titles like High Tension and The Hills Have Eyes.

Horns may not have been a runaway success, but it’s found a second life with cult audiences. If you’re keen to check it out, it’s now streaming on The Roku Channel and MovieSphere+.