Global icon Lou Ferrigno is set to make a chilling return to the screen with The Hermit, marking his first creature-style role since CBS’s The Incredible Hulk and his first-ever foray into the horror genre. The cannibal horror-thriller promises a dark, unsettling experience with an offbeat edge, placing Ferrigno in a role unlike anything audiences have seen from him before.
Uncork’d Entertainment has announced that The Hermit will be released on Digital and On Demand platforms on March 3, following a Los Angeles premiere scheduled for March 2. With its blend of visceral horror, suspense, and dark humor, the film is positioning itself as a bold addition to the genre’s 2025 lineup.
In The Hermit, Ferrigno plays a terrifyingly unconventional antagonist—a reclusive, cannibalistic pig farmer who secretly makes and sells jerky crafted from human flesh. Living far from civilization, his character becomes a nightmare incarnate for anyone unlucky enough to cross his path. The role represents a striking transformation for Ferrigno, best known worldwide for his portrayal of the Hulk, and signals a fearless reinvention late in his storied career.
The film also stars Malina Weissman, widely recognized for her role in Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Anthony Turpel, known to younger audiences from Hulu’s Love, Victor. Their casting brings strong appeal for a new generation of genre fans, pairing youthful leads with a legendary figure from pop culture.
The story centers on teenagers Lisa and Eric, who are reluctantly dragged on a vacation to a remote wooded area. What begins as a routine getaway quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival when they encounter an unstoppable and sadistic cannibal pig farmer. As the tension escalates, the teens are forced to rely on instinct, courage, and quick thinking to escape a relentless predator who knows the land—and his brutal methods—all too well.
Expressing his excitement about the project, Lou Ferrigno shared his enthusiasm for finally stepping into the horror genre. “I’m very excited to announce my first horror film, The Hermit,” he said. “I’ve always been a big fan of scary movies, and I hope this one will be on everyone’s list to watch.” His comments reflect both personal passion and confidence that the film will resonate with horror enthusiasts.
The Hermit is directed by Salvatore Sclafani, a U.S.-based Italian filmmaker who brings a distinct international sensibility to the project. The film marks Sclafani’s first English-language feature as a director, following his work as a producer on the 2019 thriller Tyger Tiger, which starred Dylan Sprouse. His approach combines gritty realism with stylized horror, giving the film its distinctive tone.
Production duties were handled by Gerry Pass of Chrome Entertainment alongside Sclafani’s First Child Prods. Together, the team aimed to craft a genre film that pushes boundaries while remaining sharply entertaining. The result is a horror-thriller that leans into its darkness but never loses its sense of twisted fun.
Keith Leopard, President of Uncork’d Entertainment, praised Ferrigno’s performance and the film’s bold nature. “Lou Ferrigno delivers a performance that horror fans won’t see coming,” Leopard said. “The Hermit is dark, action-packed, and wildly entertaining. It’s exactly the kind of bold genre film our audience loves, and we can’t wait for viewers to experience it this March.”
With its shocking premise, unexpected casting, and fresh directorial voice, The Hermit is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of horror-thrillers looking for something daring, disturbing, and unforgettable.
