Chloe Bailey, known professionally as Chlöe, has been cast in the upcoming horror film Goons, which is set against the haunting backdrop of New Orleans, Louisiana. The film will also feature Michael Rainey Jr., a prominent actor from the Power universe. Goons is directed by Gerard McMurray, who previously helmed The First Purge. This new project is being produced under New Fear Unlocked Productions, a recently launched division of Confluential Films, spearheaded by Founder and CEO Tommy Oliver.
Goons marks an important step for Confluential Films’ new division, which aims to produce “bold, elevated culturally specific horror films from creators of color.” Oliver expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I can’t wait for audiences to see what Gerard and I are coming up with the kick-ass squad we’ve assembled. I also couldn’t be more excited to kick off New Fear Unlocked with this film from such a talented director.”
McMurray shared his own excitement, highlighting the personal significance of the film. “I’m beyond excited to direct a film in the horror genre. Goons is a love letter to my hometown of New Orleans, and a deeply personal story for me. Producing this film along with Confluential/New Fear Unlocked shows the power of Black storytellers with a collaborative spirit.”
The film is currently in production, and while details about the plot remain under wraps, it is clear that Goons is set to make an impact both as a horror film and as a significant step forward for diverse storytelling in the genre. Confluential Films is fully funding the project, further underscoring their commitment to this new venture. While no official premiere date has been announced, anticipation is building around the film’s release.
This casting marks another milestone in what has been an eventful year for Bailey in the film industry. In June, she starred in The Exorcism, directed by Joshua John Miller, and earlier in April 2023, she featured in Peacock’s Praise This. These roles demonstrate her growing presence in the film industry, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In addition to her acting career, Bailey has been busy in the music world as well. On August 9, she released her sophomore album, Trouble in Paradise, through Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. The album features collaborations with artists such as Anderson .Paak, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, YG Marley, and her sister Halle Bailey. The project’s lead single, “FYS,” was released in March, followed by “Boy Bye” in April.
Chlöe described Trouble in Paradise as a project that explores her personal emotions and experiences, symbolized by the changing weather and stormy seas. “This project is about writing away my troubles in paradise. The water and the brewing storm symbolize my emotions and how it changes like the weather. I wanted this project to feel fun, and even though there are ups and downs, it’s a fun, wild ride like a summer fling: unpredictable, exciting, and new.”
Her new album follows the release of her debut album, ‘In Pieces‘, which dropped in March 2023 and was recognized as one of the 25 Best R&B Albums of the year by Rated R&B.
As Bailey continues to expand her career in both film and music, her role in Goons is set to further establish her as a versatile and dynamic talent in the entertainment industry.