Biography
Samuel Gonzalez Jr. is an Emmy-nominated, multi award-winning filmmaker, Iraq War veteran, and graduate of the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design, whose alumni include filmmakers such as Michael Bay, Zack Snyder, Tarsem Singh, and Roger Avary. Gonzalez’s distinct cinematic voice first caught the attention of legendary producer Edward R. Pressman (The Crow, American Psycho, Wall Street), who optioned his published novel The Chords of WAR, a semi-autobiographical story inspired by Gonzalez’s experience forming a rock band while serving overseas during the Iraq War. Acclaimed writer and show runner Graham Yost (Justified, Speed, The Americans) praised the novel as "Brilliant."
Gonzalez made his feature directorial debut as co-director of the 2022 horror-thriller The Retaliators for Better Noise Films, co-producers of Netflix’s The Dirt. Following a successful festival run, the film received strong critical reception and was released theatrically worldwide, earning an 86% Fresh critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.
In 2023, Gonzalez directed the horror anthology feature 'Night of the Missing', released worldwide through Cineverse and streaming platform Screambox, where the film spent a month in the platform’s Top 5 spot.
His 2025 horror drama film 'The Plastic Men" starring William Fichtner (The Dark Knight, Black Hawk Down) is FYC for a Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Directing and Outstanding Movie.
His latest feature, the neon-soaked erotic horror slasher 'Stiletto', stars screen legend Colleen Camp alongside Gigi Gustin, Steven Blackehart and Mia Challis. The film was acquired by The Horror Section, the new genre label founded by Eli Roth (who is also the producer), and is slated for a theatrical release in 2026.
Known for blending stylish atmosphere with grounded psychological tension, Gonzalez draws inspiration from filmmakers such as Stanley Kubrick, David Fincher, Robert Zemeckis, and Frank Darabont. His work often fuses visceral genre filmmaking with emotionally driven characters, striking visuals, and dark, immersive worlds.
Over the past decade, Samuel Gonzalez Jr. has emerged as one of horror cinema’s most distinctive rising genre filmmakers.
10 wins and 6 nominations
