Austin, TX — A film many years in the making has emerged from the shadows of the Texas landscape, ready to haunt, challenge, and mesmerize audiences. What Did You Do?, the feature directorial debut of acclaimed genre writer Stephen Romano, has officially wrapped principal photography. The indie psychological thriller was shot across Texas and promises a descent into trauma, madness, and moral decay—all bathed in vintage aesthetics and searing performances.
Romano, known for his work on Masters of Horror, the cult novel Resurrection Express, and the meta-grindhouse book Shock Festival, has assembled an impressive cast to bring his twisted vision to life. Fronted by Jonathan Stoddard, D.C. Douglas, Ashton Leigh, Brian Villalobos, and horror legend Caroline Williams, the film invites viewers into a confined narrative space that simmers with paranoia and erupts with existential terror.
A Warped Symphony of Secrets and Confessions
At its core, What Did You Do? is a fever dream of dialogue-driven dread. The story unfolds in a remote Texas safe house where Alice (Stoddard), a war-haunted ex-soldier, is tasked with overseeing the slow torture of Jack (Villalobos), a mystery man duct-taped to a chair. As days stretch on, secrets surface and identities dissolve. It becomes clear that nothing—nor anyone—is what they seem. Watching from the shadows is Reggie (Douglas), a puppet master of quiet brutality whose presence looms like a specter.
Marion (Leigh), a woman with ambiguous motives and a dangerous allure, circles the edges of this psychological game. Donna (Williams), a character appearing briefly but powerfully, leaves a lasting echo of horror pedigree.
Romano describes the film as “a descent into trauma, madness and Americana, with the spirit of George Romero and John Sayles holding our hands—and occasionally slapping us across the face.”
The Birth of a Director—The Evolution of a Vision
Romano’s move into directing comes after years of celebrated work in genre fiction and screenwriting. He financed the film independently, using earnings from a string of Lifetime thrillers and funds raised through the sale of his comic book imprint, Eibon Press.
“I cashed in my paychecks from those films to start production,” Romano explains. “We basically just pooled our life savings to make the movie. When it’s your own money, you answer to no one.”
Romano edited the film himself, citing George Romero’s work on Dawn of the Dead as his creative North Star. “George Romero edited Dawn of the Dead all by himself, and it’s an incredible achievement. It was what originally inspired me to be a filmmaker,” he said.
Texas Terrain, Global Ambition
Shot with Sony Venice cameras and Cooke prime lenses, the same high-caliber tools used on productions like Top Gun: Maverick and Severance, the film will be transferred to 35mm in post-production to achieve a dirty, analog look that underscores its psychological grime.
“It’s a grittier version of what they do on big movies like Dune and The Batman,” Romano notes. “We gotta dirty it up, you know?”
Texas towns Austin, Dripping Springs, and Elgin served as backdrops for the story’s slow-burn psychological torment. The team also shot at the newly minted Stilt Pony Studios for certain climactic sequences.
A Cast Built for Complex Darkness
Jonathan Stoddard, known for a string of romantic dramas and thrillers, breaks from his usual type to embody Alice, a man crumbling under guilt and pressure.
D.C. Douglas, famous for voicing Albert Wesker in the Resident Evil games and appearing in Z Nation and CSI: Vegas, uses his experience playing dark characters to embody Reggie—a character that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Ashton Leigh, a rom-com darling known for both hilarious and heartbreaking turns, becomes the femme fatale in What Did You Do?. Her character, Marion, adds a noir sensibility to the twisted dynamic between captor and captive.
Brian Villalobos, recently praised for his work in Love & Death and Linklater’s Apollo 10½, portrays Jack with vulnerability and grit.
Caroline Williams, beloved by horror fans for her roles in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 and Renfield, rounds out the cast.
Sound and Fury
The film’s sonic palette draws from the past and the present. Romano’s father, Rock Romano, composed a suite of obscure bubblegum pop tracks from the 1960s, which inject a warped nostalgia into the film’s fabric. These vintage sounds are paired with a modern sound design blending industrial elements and ambient dread.
From the Page to the Screen—and Beyond
Romano isn’t new to genre-bending projects. His previous work with Showtime’s Masters of Horror and his tenure as a comic book auteur have always challenged boundaries. But What Did You Do? marks the first time he’s had full creative control across all stages of production.
“This is my magnum opus of American nightmares and pulpy analog cinema,” says Romano. “It’s deeply personal in ways I’m only beginning to unpack.”
Romano’s team includes Teighlor Darr as co-writer, Natalie George and Rachel Dendy as producers, and Alex Le as director of photography. Courtney Voss served as the production designer.
What Comes Next?
Currently in post-production, What Did You Do? is expected to lock by the end of 2025. The filmmakers plan to launch a teaser trailer later this year and begin festival submissions in 2026. The project’s Instagram page (@whatdidyoudo_thefilm) is expected to debut teaser content in the coming months.
With emotionally raw performances, vintage visuals, and an uncompromising tone, What Did You Do? is poised to generate buzz on the 2026 festival circuit.
Ashton Leigh as Marion
Jonathan Stoddard as Alice
D.C. Douglas as Reggie 2
Brian Villalobos as Jack
