Prepare for a cinematic experience unlike any other when Freaky Tales makes its explosive debut in theaters on April 4, 2025. This audacious genre mashup blends elements of crime thriller, supernatural horror, and dark comedy into a wildly original narrative that defies categorization. With a fresh-faced cast of rising stars and iconic hip-hop legend Too $hort serving as both narrator and character, the film promises to deliver equal parts adrenaline-pumping action and mind-bending weirdness that will leave audiences buzzing.
Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Oakland, Freaky Tales weaves together multiple interconnected stories featuring punk rockers, supernatural encounters, and underground resistance fighters. Directors Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden (Captain Marvel, Half Nelson) bring their signature visual style and character-driven storytelling to this passion project, creating what’s already being hailed as “the most original film of 2025.” From its killer soundtrack to its unapologetically bizarre premise, this is one cinematic ride you won’t want to miss.
Freaky Tales: Cast Guide
1. Too $hort as Narrator/The Guy’s Partner
West Coast hip-hop pioneer Too $hort brings his unmistakable voice and Oakland authenticity to dual roles in Freaky Tales. As the film’s narrator, his rhythmic storytelling provides the perfect throughline for the interconnected tales, while his on-screen appearance as a streetwise character adds genuine local flavor. The rap legend’s involvement gives the project an extra layer of credibility for its Bay Area setting.
Having sold over 10 million albums worldwide, Too $hort proves equally compelling as a film presence, delivering lines with the same effortless cool that made him a rap icon. His performance walks the perfect line between gritty realism and the film’s more fantastical elements, serving as the audience’s guide through this strange, violent, and hilarious world.
2. Ji-young Yoo as Tina
Breakout star Ji-young Yoo (The Sky Is Everywhere, Expats) commands the screen as Tina, a punk rock bassist caught in the film’s most supernatural storyline. Yoo brings raw intensity and emotional depth to her portrayal of a young musician whose life takes a terrifying turn after a mysterious encounter. Her performance captures both the rebellious spirit of the punk scene and the vulnerability of someone facing forces beyond understanding.
Yoo’s musical background (she’s an accomplished musician in real life) lends authenticity to her performance, particularly in the film’s electrifying concert sequences. Her character’s journey from skeptical realist to reluctant believer in the paranormal provides one of the film’s most compelling arcs.
3. Jack Champion as Lucid
Jack Champion (Avatar: The Way of Water, Scream VI) delivers a star-making performance as Lucid, the leader of a punk gang caught in a violent showdown with white supremacists. Champion brings frightening intensity to the role, channeling the raw energy of classic punk antiheroes with a modern edge. His character’s nickname hints at both his philosophical nature and his altered states of consciousness.
The young actor underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role, adopting the lean, wiry frame of a classic punk rocker. Champion’s performance shines in both the film’s most brutal fight sequences and its quieter moments of camaraderie, making Lucid one of the most memorable characters in this ensemble piece.
4. Marteen as Kohlrabi
Rising musician Marteen makes his acting debut as Kohlrabi, Lucid’s right-hand man and the heart of the punk crew. The R&B singer brings unexpected depth to the role, showcasing natural acting chops that suggest a promising future in film. His musical background informs the character’s intuitive understanding of rhythm and rebellion.
Marteen’s chemistry with Jack Champion creates one of the film’s most believable friendships, making their characters’ shared struggles against both supernatural and all-too-human enemies particularly compelling. His performance during the climactic concert scene is nothing short of electrifying.
5. Zack Roberts as Nazi Bonehead
Zack Roberts (The Righteous Gemstones, Vice Principals) delivers a terrifying performance as Nazi Bonehead, the film’s primary human antagonist. Roberts completely disappears into the role of the white supremacist gang leader, creating a villain who’s both horrifyingly realistic and darkly comic in his absurd ideology.
The actor reportedly immersed himself in research about 1980s hate groups to prepare for the role, resulting in a performance that’s disturbingly authentic. His violent clashes with the punk protagonists provide some of the film’s most tension-filled sequences.
6. LeQuan Bennett as Greg
LeQuan Bennett (All American, The L Word: Generation Q) brings warmth and humor to the role of Greg, a record store clerk who becomes an unlikely hero. Bennett’s natural charisma makes Greg an instant audience favorite, serving as the everyman perspective in this increasingly bizarre story.
His character’s encyclopedic knowledge of obscure punk records provides both comic relief and crucial plot points, with Bennett delivering rapid-fire musical references with perfect timing. Greg’s romance with Michelle Farrah Huang’s character offers a sweet counterbalance to the film’s darker elements.
7. Michelle Farrah Huang as Kelsey
Michelle Farrah Huang (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Shortcomings) shines as Kelsey, a Chinese-American photographer documenting the underground punk scene. Huang brings quiet strength to the role, portraying a young artist torn between observer and participant in the unfolding chaos.
Her character’s photographs within the film serve as a visual motif, with Huang’s performance capturing the passion and peril of creative expression. The chemistry between Huang and Bennett creates one of the film’s most touching subplots.
8. Keir Gilchrist as Josh
Keir Gilchrist (Atypical, It Follows) delivers a haunting performance as Josh, a character whose mysterious connection to the supernatural elements drives much of the film’s intrigue. Gilchrist’s ability to convey deep emotion with minimal dialogue serves him perfectly in this enigmatic role.
His character’s gradual unraveling provides some of the film’s most chilling moments, with Gilchrist masterfully balancing vulnerability and menace. Fans of the actor’s previous work in psychological horror will find his performance here particularly compelling.
9. Nate Bonner as Operation Ivy
Punk musician Nate Bonner makes his acting debut as Operation Ivy (named after the legendary ska-punk band), the drummer of Lucid’s band. Bonner’s real-life experience as a musician brings undeniable authenticity to the performance, particularly in the film’s show-stopping concert sequences.
Though largely a silent presence, Bonner communicates volumes through his physical performance, creating a character who feels fully realized despite minimal dialogue. His drumming sequences are among the film’s most visceral moments.
Experience the Madness April 4, 2025
With its unforgettable characters, genre-defying narrative, and pulse-pounding soundtrack, Freaky Tales is poised to become the cult classic of 2025. This wild ride through 1980s Oakland’s underground promises to shock, delight, and leave audiences begging for more.
Don’t miss your chance to experience cinematic rebellion at its finest when Freaky Tales hits theaters April 4, 2025 – a date that just might go down in movie history.
