A new teaser for Buddy has been released, offering another unsettling look inside a children’s television show where the smiling host is far more dangerous than he appears.

The film takes place inside It’s Buddy!, a bright and cheerful program led by Buddy, an orange humanoid unicorn who teaches lessons, sings songs and encourages a group of children to spread happiness.

The new footage begins with the familiar look of an old television broadcast before static and distorted images interrupt the program. What initially resembles harmless children’s entertainment quickly starts to feel threatening as the children realize they may not be able to leave Buddy’s world.

The story follows Freddy and the other young performers after one child refuses to continue playing along. Buddy’s friendly personality begins to crack, revealing the violent force hiding beneath the colorful costume.

Outside the television show, Cristin Milioti plays Grace, a mother whose life becomes connected to the disturbing events unfolding inside Buddy’s world. The teaser offers brief glimpses of her character as the line between the television program and reality begins to collapse.

Delaney Quinn stars as Freddy, while Topher Grace plays Ben. Keegan-Michael Key provides the voice of Buddy, with Michael Shannon and Patton Oswalt also appearing in the cast.

Buddy is written and directed by Casper Kelly, best known for creating the Adult Swim short Too Many Cooks. Kelly co-wrote the screenplay with Jamie King.

The film mixes horror, science fiction and dark comedy, using the comforting look of an older children’s program to hide a story about control, fear and children trying to escape their smiling captor.

Buddy premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before being acquired for a theatrical release by Roadside Attractions and Saban Films.

Buddy opens in theaters on August 28, 2026.