Premiering on Hulu on February 20, 2025, Memes & Nightmares is a genre-bending horror-comedy that plunges viewers into a surreal world where viral internet culture collides with supernatural chaos. Directed by a secretive collective of digital creators, the film follows a group of social media obsessives who accidentally summon an ancient meme deity after hosting a doomed “Pop-A-Shot Party” challenge. Blending found footage, mockumentary, and absurdist humor, the movie skewers influencer culture while delivering genuine scares—think The Blair Witch Project meets Scott Pilgrim with a TikTok twist.
As the characters descend into a rabbit hole of cursed hashtags and cryptic ARGs, Memes & Nightmares becomes a meta-commentary on the absurdity—and dangers—of living life online. With a mix of real-life influencers, comedians, and unexpected cameos, the cast leans into the chaos, making this a must-watch for Gen Z and millennials alike.
The Memes & Nightmares cast list:
– Josiah Johnson as Self
Josiah Johnson, one-half of the Grammy-nominated folk duo The Oh Hellos, steps into the role of “Self” as a musician-turned-reluctant-influencer. Known for his introspective lyrics and viral indie-folk anthems, Johnson brings a deadpan earnestness to the film, parodying his own career pivot to social media fame. His musical background adds a haunting layer to the film’s soundtrack, which features eerie reworks of his hits.
In Memes & Nightmares, Johnson’s character becomes the unwitting voice of reason amid the chaos, his dry humor and existential dread mirroring the audience’s own WTF reactions.
– Jamel Johnson as Self
Jamel Johnson, a rising TikTok comedian known for his absurdist skits and #RelatableFail videos, plays a heightened version of himself—a clout-chasing content creator who accidentally kickstarts the film’s apocalyptic plot. Johnson’s background in improv (UCB Theatre) shines as he navigates the script’s blend of slapstick and horror.
His chemistry with Josiah (no relation, per the film’s lore) drives the narrative, with Jamel’s over-the-top antics serving as the perfect foil to Josiah’s stoic panic.
– Danny Abrahms as Secret Society Expert
Danny Abrahms, a cult favorite from The Eric Andre Show and Inside Job, steals scenes as the conspiracy theorist “Secret Society Expert.” Abrahms’ knack for unhinged, rapid-fire rants about “shadow algorithms” and “deep-state memes” adds a layer of satirical genius to the film.
In Memes & Nightmares, his paranoid monologues—delivered via Zoom cameos—become cryptic clues for the protagonists, blending comedy with eerie foreshadowing.
– Farhad Ahmadyar as Pop-A-Shot Party
Farhad Ahmadyar, a viral Vine alum and David Spade’s Netflix Show regular, plays one of the doomed “Pop-A-Shot Party” attendees. Ahmadyar’s physical comedy and expressive face turn his limited screen time into a meme-worthy highlight, particularly during the film’s infamous cursed basketball scene.
His role leans into his internet reputation as the guy who’s “always at the wrong party,” making his character’s fate both hilarious and tragically on-brand.
– Jackson Arc as Underground Member
Jackson Arc, a guerrilla filmmaker and anonymous ARG creator, makes his acting debut as an “Underground Member” of the meme deity’s cult. Arc’s real-life experience crafting cryptic online puzzles informs his unsettling performance, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
In Memes & Nightmares, his character’s cryptic TikTok videos serve as breadcrumbs for the protagonists, with Arc’s off-screen mystique adding authenticity to the role.
– Gilbert Arenas
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas leans into his larger-than-life persona as a fictionalized version of himself—a washed-up athlete turned crypto-meme mogul. Arenas’ infamous off-court antics and viral podcast rants make him a natural fit for the film’s satire of celebrity culture.
His subplot, involving a failed NFT scheme tied to the meme deity, is a darkly comic critique of internet grifters.
– Matt Barnes
Ex-NBA champ Matt Barnes plays a retired player turned paranormal podcaster who investigates the film’s supernatural events. Barnes’ real-life reputation as a no-nonsense tough guy adds grit to his role, with his podcast scenes (“Ballers & Banshees”) serving as the film’s Greek chorus.
His chemistry with Gilbert Arenas—reprising their real-life friendship/rivalry—adds unexpected heart to the chaos.
– Matt Barrett-Miller as Stat Junkie / Reggie
Matt Barrett-Miller, a character actor from Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Superstore, dual-role as “Stat Junkie” (a fantasy sports addict) and “Reggie” (the meme deity’s human avatar). Barrett-Miller’s ability to switch between nerdy panic and sinister calm makes him a standout.
His transformation into Reggie—a glitching, meme-spewing antagonist—is both hilarious and unnerving, anchoring the film’s horror elements.
– Dylan Barton as Clout Chaser
Dylan Barton, a TikTok star known for his #DareFail videos, plays a hyper-competitive influencer willing to risk his life for viral fame. Barton’s real-life persona as a thrill-seeking content creator informs his character’s arc, which escalates from cringe-comedy to body horror.
His infamous “challenge gone wrong” scene—filmed in one take—is already generating buzz as a memeable moment.
– Sterling Brown as Pop-A-Shot Party
Sterling Brown, not to be confused with the This Is Us actor, is a comedian and Wild ‘N Out alum who plays a doomed partygoer. Brown’s improv chops and knack for absurdist one-liners (“Did we just summon a demon… or is this just LA?”) add levity to the film’s darker moments.
His character’s escalating panic—paired with failed attempts to go viral mid-apocalypse—is a darkly comic highlight.
With its mix of internet personalities, meta-humor, and genuine scares, Memes & Nightmares is poised to become Hulu’s next cult hit. Stream it on February 20, 2025—but maybe keep the lights on.
