Prepare for a generational nightmare when Traumatika premieres in theaters on September 12, 2025. This chilling new horror film delves into the terrifying world of Mikey, a young boy whose debilitating night terrors are about to bleed into his waking life. The film promises a harrowing exploration of childhood fear magnified into an unimaginable reality, as the person he trusts most—his mother—begins a horrifying transformation. What begins as a personal domestic terror soon reveals itself to be a malignant force with a long memory and an insatiable appetite, setting the stage for a story that spans decades.

Traumatika is not just a story of possession; it is a sinister saga of a curse that refuses to be contained. The evil that attaches itself to Mikey’s family is portrayed as a relentless entity, capable of claiming countless lives across generations. The film aims to transcend the typical exorcism trope by weaving a more complex and expansive tapestry of horror, suggesting that some trauma is so profound it becomes a inherited legacy. Audiences can expect a visceral, heart-pounding experience that questions the very nature of fear, memory, and the terrifying possibility that our worst dreams are not just in our heads.

Traumatika main cast

1- Rebekah Kennedy as Abigail

Rebekah Kennedy is a dynamic actress known for her captivating presence in genre film and television. She first gained significant attention for her role in the acclaimed FX series Legion, and further solidified her genre credentials with a standout performance in the hit Netflix series Wednesday as the tormented gate ghost, Dr. Anwar. Kennedy has also appeared in films like The Beta Test and has built a reputation for bringing depth and authenticity to complex, often psychologically charged characters. Her ability to navigate between vulnerability and sheer terror makes her a powerful force on screen.

In Traumatika, Kennedy takes on the pivotal role of Abigail, Mikey’s mother. This role demands a staggering range, requiring her to transform from a loving, caring parent into a vessel of unspeakable demonic horror. Kennedy’s experience in psychologically complex projects positions her perfectly to portray the subtle early signs of possession and its eventual full-blown, terrifying manifestation. Her performance will be the emotional and horrific core of the film, making the audience fear for her and fear her in equal measure.

2- Emily Goss as Alice (Adult)

Emily Goss has built an impressive career as a versatile and compelling actress, particularly within the independent horror and thriller genres. She has delivered memorable performances in films such as I Blame You, The Stylist, and the chilling home invasion thriller Intruder. Goss possesses a unique ability to convey deep-seated trauma and resilience, often playing characters who are survivors of unimaginable events. Her filmography shows a consistent talent for bringing emotional weight and authenticity to genre storytelling.

Goss steps into the role of Alice as an adult, a character who is intrinsically linked to the film’s multi-generational curse. Her casting suggests that the events of Mikey’s childhood have long-lasting repercussions, and Alice is likely a key figure in the ongoing battle against the demonic force. Goss’s proven skill at portraying characters haunted by their past makes her ideal to embody an adult who must confront a nightmare that has followed her for a lifetime, potentially fighting to break the cycle that began with Mikey.

3- Ranen Navat as Mikey

Ranen Navat is a talented young actor on the rise, known for his role in the popular Netflix family series The Ponysitters Club. While his body of work is still growing, his experience in television has provided him with a foundation in professional acting, preparing him for the demanding lead role in a feature film. Casting a young actor in such a intense horror project is a calculated risk that often yields incredibly raw and powerful results, as the genuine fear and confusion of a child can elevate the horror to unsettling new heights.

As Mikey, Navat carries the immense weight of the film’s narrative. He must guide the audience through the terror, making his performance crucial to the film’s success. His character arc—from a frightened boy suffering from nightmares to a witness of actual demonic horror—requires a profound emotional range. Navat’s task is to elicit both empathy and dread, making viewers feel every ounce of his fear as his safe world collapses around him, an experience that will define and haunt him forever.

4- AJ Bowen as Sheriff Miller

AJ Bowen is a bona fide icon of modern independent horror, a familiar and welcome face to fans of the genre. With a career defined by collaborations with acclaimed directors like Ti West (The House of the Devil), Joe Swanberg (You’re Next), and Adam Wingard (A Horrible Way to Die), Bowen has become synonymous with smart, character-driven horror. He excels at playing everymen caught in extraordinary circumstances, often bringing a grounded, weary realism to his roles that makes the surrounding horror feel all the more palpable.

In Traumatika, Bowen portrays Sheriff Miller, the local law enforcement undoubtedly drawn into the chaos surrounding Mikey’s family. His character likely represents the voice of reason and authority, a figure who initially seeks a logical explanation for the bizarre and violent events before being forced to confront a supernatural reality. Bowen’s extensive experience in the genre allows him to perfectly embody the sheriff’s probable arc from skepticism to terrified acceptance, providing a relatable perspective for the audience amidst the unfolding nightmare.

5- Sean O’Bryan as John Reed

Sean O’Bryan is a veteran character actor with a extensive and versatile career spanning over three decades. He has appeared in a wide array of films and television shows, from comedies like Down with Love and What Women Want to dramas like Pleasantville and The Astronaut Farmer. His television work is equally prolific, with guest roles on countless major network shows. O’Bryan has a reliable, everyman quality that allows him to seamlessly fit into various narratives, often playing fathers, professionals, and authority figures.

O’Bryan brings his seasoned presence to Traumatika in the role of John Reed. While the character’s specific connection to the plot is kept mysterious, a name like “John Reed” suggests a figure of some standing within the community—perhaps a doctor, a pastor, or a concerned family friend. O’Bryan’s ability to project both warmth and authority will make his character’s role in the story compelling, whether he becomes an ally to Mikey’s family or another obstacle in understanding the true nature of the evil they face.

6- Susan Gayle Watts as Karen Novak

Susan Gayle Watts is an actress with a diverse background in film, television, and voiceover work. She has appeared in projects like the thriller The Unhealer and has guest-starred on television shows such as Criminal Minds and The Rookie. Watts often brings a strong, memorable presence to her roles, capable of conveying a rich inner life and resilience. Her experience allows her to tackle characters who are faced with intense and challenging situations.

Watts takes on the role of Karen Novak, another character whose precise function in the narrative adds to the film’s mystery. The surname “Novak” might suggest a familial link to the central curse or perhaps represent another family drawn into the orbit of the demonic force. Watts is well-suited to portray a character who must grapple with the supernatural horror impacting her community or her own family, potentially serving as a voice of reason, a source of support, or yet another victim of the entity’s generational reach.

7- Sean Whalen as Steve

Sean Whalen is a legendary character actor whose distinct face and unforgettable performances have made him a cult favorite, especially within the horror and comedy genres. With over 150 credits to his name, he is instantly recognizable for his roles in 90s classics like The People Under the Stairs, Twister, and Never Been Kissed. Whalen has a unique talent for playing eccentric, off-kilter, and often unsettling characters, bringing an unpredictable energy to every scene he is in.

Casting Sean Whalen in a horror film named Traumatika is a deliberate and exciting choice for genre fans. His role, “Steve,” immediately suggests a character who is far more than he seems. Whalen could be playing a creepy neighbor, an unhinged local, or even a vessel for the film’s demonic entity. His mere presence on screen generates a specific kind of tension and anticipation, promising a performance that will be both memorable and deeply unsettling, perfectly aligning with the film’s terrifying themes.