Nick Jonas is trading festive cheer for a far more sinister atmosphere this season. The singer and actor is set to star in a Nick Jonas holiday horror movie titled White Elephant, a project that promises to turn a traditional Christmas gathering into a fight for survival.
The film, produced by MRC in partnership with Radio Silence and Project X, marks a significant genre shift for Jonas. While he has previously leaned into the warmth of holiday-themed content, White Elephant aims to “crank up the chill factor” by blending festive traditions with high-tension horror according to industry reports.
Joining Jonas in the lead is Kathryn Newton, who is no stranger to the heightened tension of the horror genre. The production is the first project under a new partnership between Radio Silence and Project X, collectively dubbed “RSPX,” which is specifically designed to develop inventive and engaging thriller and horror content as detailed by Deadline.
A Festive Gift Exchange Turns Deadly
The premise of White Elephant centers on a holiday tradition gone wrong. The film’s logline describes a scenario involving “eight friends, one prize, and zero trust,” where an annual festive gift exchange spirals into a “cutthroat game of Christmas carnage” per the official project description.
Directing the project is Eli Craig, known for his work on Clown in a Cornfield. The screenplay was penned by JT Billings, with additional writing contributions from Craig. Production on the film officially began the week of April 3, 2026 as confirmed by production sources.
The Creative Powerhouse Behind RSPX
The collaboration between Radio Silence and Project X brings together a seasoned team of horror specialists. Kathryn Newton’s casting represents a reunion with these production houses; she previously starred alongside Samara Weaving in Ready or Not 2: Here I Arrive. That sequel to the 2019 hit Ready or Not premiered at SXSW on May 13 before its theatrical release according to production records.
The production side of White Elephant is equally robust. Nick Jonas is serving as a producer through his own company, Powered By Jonas. He is joined by Spencer Berman, as well as William Sherak, Paul Neinstein, and James Vanderbilt for Project X, and Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin per the project’s credit list.
Executive production duties are handled by a wide team, including JT Billings, Ryan McDonough, Amanda Drake, Kathryn Newton, Scott Levine, and Chad Villella.
A Diverse 2026 Cinema Slate for Nick Jonas
The announcement of White Elephant comes during an exceptionally prolific year for Nick Jonas, who is diversifying his portfolio across multiple genres. Beyond the realm of holiday horror, Jonas is moving into musical dramedy with the film Power Ballad.
Directed by John Carney, Power Ballad stars Jonas opposite Paul Rudd as an unlikely musical duo. The film recently premiered to critical acclaim at SXSW and is scheduled for a wide theatrical release via Lionsgate on June 5, 2026 as confirmed by the distributor.
In addition to these projects, Jonas will appear in the latest Jumanji sequel from Columbia Pictures. He is slated to co-star alongside an ensemble cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart according to studio reports.
These roles follow other recent cinematic contributions from Jonas, including appearances in You’re Cordially Invited and The Good Half.
Key Project Summary
| Film Title | Genre | Key Collaborators | Status/Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Elephant | Holiday Horror | Kathryn Newton, Eli Craig | Production began April 2026 |
| Power Ballad | Musical Dramedy | Paul Rudd, John Carney | Releases June 5, 2026 |
| Jumanji (Sequel) | Action/Adventure | Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart | Upcoming |
The shift toward horror and high-stakes thrillers suggests a strategic move by Jonas to expand his range as both an actor and a producer. By leveraging his Powered By Jonas company, he is taking a more active role in the development and financing of the stories he tells, moving beyond simple casting to shaping the creative direction of the projects.
As of this writing, a formal release date for White Elephant has not been announced, though the holiday theme suggests a potential late-year window. Further details regarding the supporting cast are expected as production progresses.
The next confirmed milestone for Nick Jonas’s cinematic year will be the theatrical debut of Power Ballad on June 5.
Do you think the “holiday horror” trend has staying power, or is it a seasonal gimmick? Share your thoughts in the comments below.