HORROR festival Rhyller Thriller has added Rhyl’s biggest star - 6ft 7in actor Spencer Wilding, whose towering screen presence has brought The Wolfman, Darth Vader, and Frankenstein’s Monster to life - and his homecoming is set to give this year’s event an emotional, unmistakably local spark.
Big Spen’s Hollywood résumé stretches across some of the world’s most recognisable franchises, but for all the blockbuster roles, he says nothing beats supporting the town that shaped him.
He’s a familiar face in schools across Rhyl and the surrounding area, where he's regularly invited in to share stories from film sets, creature workshops and, of course, a galaxy far, far away. For many pupils, he’s the first real-life link between North Wales and the global film industry - a living reminder that extraordinary careers can begin in ordinary places.
This year, Wilding’s connection to home deepens even further with the release of Blood Stream, an independent horror anthology produced by Hellbound Media and set to hit the festival circuit in late 2026. He stars in a segment titled Fox and the Hen, a Welsh folk‑horror tale inspired by grindhouse slashers and filmed on his mother’s farm in Meliden. It’s a story rooted in local soil - literally - blending Wilding’s blockbuster experience with the eerie, rural atmosphere that defines so much of North Wales’ folklore.
Festival organiser Chad Jones said excitement behind the scenes has surged with the announcement.
“As if our guest lineup wasn’t exciting enough… we’ve got another special guest joining us at Rhyller Thriller 4! Please give a huge Rhyller Thriller welcome to Spencer Wilding!
"A true local legend from Rhyl, Spencer has brought unforgettable characters to life on the big screen, appearing in some of the biggest film franchises in the world.
"We’re absolutely thrilled to have him joining us for this year’s festival! Come along, meet Spencer, grab an autograph, snap a photo and celebrate an incredible local talent with us.”
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Rhyller Thriller 4: Fear The Old Ways runs from July 31 to August 2, 2026 at Rhyl Little Theatre, offering three full days of horror films, underground culture and community celebration.
Now in its fourth year, the festival has grown from a grassroots passion project into one of the UK’s most exciting independent horror events, blending the atmosphere of a film festival with the energy of a horror convention.
This year’s theme explores folklore, superstition and the darker corners of rural storytelling. Screenings will take place on a custom-built cinema setup inside one of North Wales’ oldest theatres, adding to the immersive feel. Many films will be followed by live Q&A sessions, giving audiences the chance to speak directly with filmmakers — and now, with Spencer Wilding himself.
Alongside the films, a horror‑themed fringe market will run throughout the weekend, featuring artists, authors and traders from across the UK.
Organisers say the aim is simple: to build a welcoming space where horror fans of all backgrounds can meet, discover new work and celebrate a genre that continues to evolve.
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