Podcasts
‘Fear Street’ Co-Writer Phil Graziadei Talks Queer Representation with the Horror Queers! [Podcast]
Queer Street.
It’s not often that a popular IP gets adapted with explicit queer content added in, but that’s exactly what happened with Netflix’s Fear Street trilogy, a groundbreaking event that puts two queer characters front-and-center in a major horror release.
Now that all three films have been released, we’re releasing a spoiler-filled interview with the trilogy’s queer co-writer Phil Graziadei (Honeymoon). After discussing the development of the films, we’ll jump right in to all things queer and discuss the decision to make Fear Street ultra-queer, fan reactions to the trilogy (including those who decry “wokeness”), and how refreshing it is to not have to deal with scraps when it comes to queer representation in media (looking at you, Disney).
The film trilogy, which is currently streaming on Netflix, centers on a group of teenagers in 1994 who discover that the terrifying events that have haunted their town for generations may all be connected — and they may be the next targets. Based on R.L. Stine’s best-selling horror series, Fear Street follows Shadyside’s sinister history through a nightmare 300 years in the making.
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Bonus Episode – Interview: Fear Street Trilogy Co-Writer Phil Graziadei
Surprise! We’re bringing you a special bonus episode this week in the form of an interview with the Netflix Fear Street Trilogy‘s queer co-writer Phil Graziadei! In this revealing interview, we’ll discuss all things queer in this explicitly queer adaptation of R.L. Stine’s classic book series.
But first, we’ll discuss some of the adaptation choices the film’s make as well as the film’s release strategy. Then, we’ll dive into the likability of certain characters, discuss some of the films’ queer coding and why it’s so important to make a queer couple the face of a major horror franchise. We’ve got the scoop, y’all!
Individual loglines for the film are below:
FEAR STREET PART 1: 1994
A circle of teenage friends accidentally encounter the ancient evil responsible for a series of brutal murders that have plagued their town for over 300 years. Welcome to Shadyside.
FEAR STREET PART 2: 1978
Shadyside, 1978. School’s out for summer and the activities at Camp Nightwing are about to begin. But when another Shadysider is possessed with the urge to kill, the fun in the sun becomes a gruesome fight for survival.
FEAR STREET PART 3: 1666
The origins of Sarah Fier’s curse are finally revealed as history comes full circle on a night that changes the lives of Shadysiders forever.
The Halloweenies hitch a ride out to the small town of Abaddon in Upstate New York to check out this totally killer haunted house that’s opening: Hell House LLC.
Join Michael Roffman, Justin Gerber, and Rachel Reeves as they discuss director Stephen Cognetti’s found footage gem that has since spawned multiple sequels and spinoffs. But, as with anything, nothing is ever quite as good as the original.
Note: This episode was originally released to our patrons in October 2025.
Stream the whole conversation below or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. New to the Halloweenies? Catch up with the gang by revisiting their essential episodes on past franchises such as Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Scream, The Evil Dead, Chucky, Alien, and Universal Monsters.
This year? Hellraiser AND The Omen.
You can also become a member of their Patreon, The Rewind, for hilariously irreverent commentaries (e.g. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Gremlins, Child’s Play) and one-off deep dives on your favorite rentals (e.g. Saw, 28 Days Later, Manhunter, Near Dark). Each month promises something new and unexpected from the wildest corners of the genre.