Mike P. Nelson

Mike P. Nelson
Born
Michael Paul Nelson

(1982-12-18)December 18, 1982
Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
EducationMinneapolis College of Art and Design (BFA)
OccupationsFilm director, screenwriter, film editor, cinematographer, actor
Years active2004–present
Known forThe Domestics
Wrong Turn
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Beware Boiúna

Michael Paul Nelson (born December 18, 1982) is an American filmmaker. He is known for directing the horror films The Domestics (2018), Wrong Turn (2021), Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025), and Beware Boiúna (2026).

Life and career

Nelson was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on December 18, 1982. He began his career writing, directing, acting, and editing numerous short films and feature films. He also worked as a foley artist, sound designer and music editor on television shows and films such as Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives, 5-25-77, Chicago Overcoat and The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle.

In 2018, he made his directorial debut with the action horror film The Domestics, starring Kate Bosworth, Tyler Hoechlin, and Lance Reddick. It premiered at the Cinepocalypse Film Festival on June 21, 2018, and was released in the United States by Orion Classics on June 28, 2018.

In 2021, he directed the horror film Wrong Turn, a reboot of the 2003 film of the same name and seventh installment in the Wrong Turn franchise. The film was released in theaters and on video on demand in the United States by Saban Films on January 26, 2021.

In 2023, he wrote and directed the segments No Wake / Ambrosia for the horror anthology film V/H/S/85, the sixth installment in the V/H/S franchise. It premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 22, 2023, and was released digitally by Shudder on October 6, 2023.

In 2025, he wrote and directed the horror film Silent Night, Deadly Night, a reboot of the 1984 film of the same name and seventh installment in the Silent Night, Deadly Night franchise. The film was produced by Cineverse, StudioCanal, and original film producers Scott Schneid and Dennis Whitehead. It premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 21, 2025, and was released in the United States by Cineverse on December 12, 2025. That same year, he wrote and directed a 13-minute short horror film titled Sweet Revenge, which was released on August 13, 2025, as part of the Friday the 13th franchise's 45th anniversary.

In 2026, he directed the horror film Beware Boiúna, which premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 17, 2026, and is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States by Lionsgate on October 2, 2026. Later that year, it was announced that he is set to direct the eleventh film in the Saw franchise. James Wan and Jason Blum will serve as producers through their Blumhouse–Atomic Monster banner, alongside Leigh Whannell. It is set to be released in the United States by Lionsgate.

Filmography

Short film

Year Title Director Writer Producer Editor Notes
2004 The G.I. Yes Yes Yes Yes
2005 The 26th Yes Yes Yes Yes
2006 Hill Billy Yes Yes No Yes Segment of Summer School
2008 An American Classic Yes Yes No Yes
2012 The Retirement of Joe Corduroy Yes Yes Yes Yes
2015 The Domestics Yes Yes No Yes
2016 The Goodbye Yes No No Yes
2023 No Wake / Ambrosia Yes Yes No Yes Segments of V/H/S/85
2025 Sweet Revenge Yes Yes Yes No

Feature film

Year Title Director Writer Executive
Producer		 Ref.
2018 The Domestics Yes Yes No
2021 Wrong Turn Yes No No
2025 Silent Night, Deadly Night Yes Yes No
2026 Beware Boiúna Yes No Yes

References

  1. 1 2 Gray, Peter (2025-12-07). "Interview: Mike P. Nelson on reimagining the controversial cult classic Silent Night, Deadly Night; "I wanted to give you something familiar, but then go off the rails."". The AU Review. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  2. ↑ Maas, Jennifer (2025-06-26). "New 'Friday the 13th' Vignette 'Sweet Revenge' Set From Filmmaker Mike P. Nelson (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  3. ↑ "Cinepocalypse 2018". Cinepocalypse Film Festival. Retrieved August 6, 2026.
  4. ↑ Sprague, Mike (November 18, 2020). "Wrong Turn Reboot Finally Gets A Release Date, First Trailer Arrives Tomorrow". Dread Central.
  5. ↑ Squires, John (November 18, 2020). "'Wrong Turn' Reboot Finally Gets Release Date; Trailer Tomorrow!". Bloody Disgusting.
  6. ↑ Rawls, Murjani (2021-02-18). "INTERVIEW: Director Mike P. Nelson of 'Wrong Turn' (Reboot)". Substream Magazine. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  7. ↑ 'V/H/S/85' to World Premiere at Fantastic Fest! [Image]
  8. ↑ Squires, John (August 23, 2023). "V/H/S/85 Teaser Trailer-Rewind Back to the 1980s on Shudder This October". Bloddy Disgusting. Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Eye For Film: Interview with Mike P Nelson about Silent Night, Deadly Night". www.eyeforfilm.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-02-01.
  10. ↑ Squires, John (June 10, 2024). "'Silent Night, Deadly Night' – New Movie in Iconic Slasher Franchise Coming from Director Mike P. Nelson". Bloody Disgusting.
  11. ↑ Miska, Brad (June 10, 2024). "'Silent Night, Deadly Night' Is Coming Back, With 'Wrong Turn' Reboot Director Mike P. Nelson". Fangoria.
  12. ↑ Squires, John (2025-07-26). "'Sweet Revenge' – Jason Voorhees Is Officially Back in First Look at 'Jason Universe' Project [Trailer]". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
  13. ↑ Zilko, Christian (August 18, 2026). "Fantastic Fest Unveils 2026 Lineup Headlined by 'Resident Evil', 'Carrie', and 'Wild Horse Nine'". IndieWire. Retrieved September 20, 2026.
  14. ↑ Marc, Christopher (February 18, 2026). "Lionsgate's Jungle Creature Feature 'Boiúna: Legend Of The Amazon' Starring Logan Marshall-Green, Jessica Rothe & Kiana Madeira Hits Theaters In 2026". The Playlist. Retrieved September 20, 2026.
  15. ↑ 'Saw' Reborn: Next Film Taps 'Silent Night, Deadly Night' Director Mike P. Nelson]
  16. ↑ Sellers, Sade' (2021-02-19). "Interview with 'Wrong Turn' Director Mike P. Nelson". Script Magazine. Retrieved 2026-09-19.
  17. ↑ Miska, Brad (February 16, 2026). "Lionsgate's Giant Snake Movie 'Titan' Retitled to 'Boiúna: Legend of the Amazon'". Dread Central. Retrieved September 19, 2026.