Chris Stuckmann's first feature, the horror film Shelby Oaks, is headed to theaters just in time for Halloween. But the YouTuber turned director already has his sights set on the future, and if a big studio should come knocking, he knows exactly what iconic franchise he'd love to be a part of. Collider's Perri Nemiroff sat down with Stuckmann at Fantastic Fest to discuss Shelby Oaks, which will hit theaters on October 24 courtesy of Neon.

During their conversation, Stuckmann spoke about the phenomenon of directors of well-regarded indie features being recruited to helm franchise blockbusters, which has seen filmmakers like Chloé Zhao and Lee Isaac Chung go from microbudgets to mega-budgets. Stuckmann wouldn't rule that out for himself, but intends to make more original films, stating, "I wouldn't close the door on anything. I'm just so excited to make movies and be behind the camera. I would love to make more original movies, first and foremost, I think, is my ultimate goal." However, there's one franchise that would get him behind the camera, although he's doubtful he'd be offered it:

"If I had to pick a franchise, Metroid. Metroid is my dream, and it's not a thing that exists currently as a movie, but the idea of directing a Metroid film would be absolutely incredible. I've got Samus on my arm right here. That whole world means so much to me. The lore is so deep and rich, and I love her as a character. But Nintendo is Nintendo, and they're going to get somebody who's done a million CGI movies before. But I would love to do a Metroid movie.

Starting with the Nintendo Entertainment System game Metroid in 1986, the franchise follows the adventures of armored bounty hunter Samus Aran, who battles the parasitic Metroid aliens. In one of the first "twist endings" in video game history, the conclusion of the first game reveals that Samus, who spends the entire game clad in bulky, androgynous armor, is a woman. That game spawned an entire franchise of sequels, which continues to this day. There have been attempts to adapt the franchise for the big screen, but none have come to fruition.

What Is 'Shelby Oaks' About?

Shelby Oaks stars Camille Sullivan (Shoresy) as Mia Brennan, a woman searching for her missing younger sister, Riley (Sarah Durn, Where the Crawdads Sing). Riley's been missing for twelve years; she was a paranormal investigator, and the last time Mia saw her, she was about to travel to the mysteriously abandoned town of Shelby Oaks. Three mutilated bodies were found shortly afterward, but Riley wasn't among them. Now, however, Mia has a new clue after a man kills himself on her doorstep, clutching a tape marked "Shelby Oaks" in his hand. Will the tape lead Mia to her missing sister, or to her doom? The film also stars Brendan Sexton III (Ballard), Michael Beach (Tulsa King), Robin Bartlett (The Shrink Next Door), Derek Mears (Friday the 13th), and Keith David (The Thing). Stuckmann wrote, produced, and directed the film, and horror maestro Mike Flanagan executive-produced it.

Shelby Oaks will debut in theaters on October 24, 2025. Watch Nemiroff's full Fantastic Fest interview below, and stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

You can watch Nemiroff's full conversation with the team behind Shelby Oaks in the video above, indexed below.