By MICHAEL GINGOLD
The intersection of fear and laughs will be dissected by a number of their creators.
As part of WonderCon 2026, taking place this weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, a panel called “Ha Ha Horror” will be held tonight from 9-10 p.m. in Room 209. Hosting is Anastasia Washington (pictured), whose acting credits include the horror/comedy anthology GRIND (which just world-premiered at SXSW), DEADHEAD and the award-winning short GASLIGHTER. She’s also a comedian who has performed at numerous festivals and uses that voice to address various social issues. Washington will be joined on the panel by actors, filmmakers and genre creators Teri Gamble (host of HORROR MOVIE SURVIVAL GUIDE), Matthew Price (GRIND), Ned Kirschman (SCISSOR SLEEPOVER), Brea Grant (LUCKY), Andrew Scott Bell (WINNIE-THE-POOH: BLOOD AND HONEY), Sarah Nicklin (VHS: HALLOWEEN), Matt Glass (12 HOUR SHIFT) and Brandon Espy (MR. CROCKET).
“This panel is filled with powerhouses of horror,” Washington says. “Up-and-coming diverse voices that are breaking through in a big way and getting some epic stuff out there. From an original Black IP—Brandon Espy’s MR. CROCKET—to GRIND [which several of the panelists worked on] to combining fairy tales and horror with Andrew Scott Bell’s haunting melodies in WINNIE-THE-POOH: BLOOD AND HONEY. I’m so excited to have an honest and amazing discussion on my two favorite genres and blending them for the most impact with those that are actually making it happen.”
