The supernatural horror-thriller “Do Not Enter” is set to arrive in theaters on March 20, 2026, bringing a modern twist to the urban exploration genre. At a recent red carpet screening in Los Angeles, the cast and crew gathered to discuss the intense filming process and the themes of fear that drive the narrative. Brennan Keel Cook, who portrays Mack in the film, was initially drawn to the project because of its source material, the novel Creepers by David Morrell.
Directed by Marc Klasfeld the film follows a group of thrill-seekers who find themselves trapped in the abandoned Paragon Hotel in New Jersey while attempting to livestream their latest stunt for social media fame. Journalists Josh LaCount (Temple of Geek) and Hannah Altman (Paranormal Lounge) caught up with the cast and crew at the Los Angeles premiere to discuss the making of this R-rated nightmare.
Brennan Keel Cook on Character and Source Material
As a self-described genre enthusiast, he appreciated the script’s approach, likening the story to a version of The Goonies reimagined for the social media era. In discussing his role, Cook noted that he played the “tweaker” of the group, which required a careful acting balance to ensure he did not overplay or underplay the character’s specific energy.
The filming process presented several unique environmental challenges for the actor. The project was shot four years ago in Bulgaria during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which Cook described as an intense experience involving being on foreign soil on the other side of the world. Additionally, the production relied heavily on blue screens for its supernatural elements, forcing Cook to “dip into his imaginary circumstances” more often than not while on set.
Shifting Perceptions of Fear
When asked if the film changed his real-life perspective on fear and risk, Cook admitted that the experience had a lasting impact on his comfort levels with certain environments. He joked that as a result of working on the film, he has no plans to enter any abandoned hotels in the near future. Despite the intensity of the role and the challenging production conditions, he ultimately summarized the film in a single word: “fun”.
“Do Not Enter” features an ensemble cast including Jake Manley, Adeline Rudolph, Francesca Reale, Shane Paul McGhie, Kai Caster, and Javier Botet. It hits theaters and on digital this Friday, March 20, 2026. Based on the acclaimed novel Creepers by David Morrell, the film follows a group of thrill-seekers whose livestream from the abandoned Paragon Hotel turns into a fight for survival against supernatural forces.
