Netflix plunges us back into the haunted halls of Shadyside High with Fear Street: Prom Queen, the latest spine-chilling installment in the cult-favorite horror series. But behind the bloodshed and tiara-wearing terror is a new face fans will want to remember: Ryan Rosery, who plays Chad — boyfriend to Ella Rubin’s Melissa McKendrick and the kind of guy who brings both comic relief and a bit more than you’d expect from the typical horror movie boyfriend.

Rosery, a Canadian-born St. Lucian actor hailing from Scarborough, Ontario, has been acting since the age of 8. His path from childhood performances to starring in one of Netflix’s buzziest teen horror projects is full of twists, transformation, and a deep love for the craft. When I caught up with Ryan ahead of Prom Queen’s release, we talked horror, hometown pride, career growth, and the magic of Scarborough slang.

The Chad Factor

In Fear Street: Prom Queen, the chaos unravels during one unforgettable prom night — a distinct twist that sets this chapter apart from the rest of the franchise.

“What makes Prom Queen stand out,” Ryan told me, “is how most of the movie and the chaos unfold over one night at Shadyside High. It’s intense and fast-paced.”

Ryan’s character Chad is no one-note jock. “He’s the guy who loves making his friends laugh — a little goofy, definitely,” he said. “He has some elements of the stereotypical horror movie boyfriend for sure, but there’s more to him.”

That layered portrayal fits perfectly in a series known for its twists. When Ryan first read the script, he was hooked. “I was surprised and excited — and some things did change from the original script. So if you’ve read an early version, don’t expect that movie!”

On set, things were surprisingly chill for a horror flick. “There wasn’t anything particularly challenging for me, but we had a lot of fun. One moment I’ll never forget? We all stepped outside to watch a solar eclipse together. That was unreal.”

Acting Roots & a Scarborough State of Mind

The moment Ryan decided to become an actor? Blame Uncle Phil.

“It was an episode of Fresh Prince where Uncle Phil is dancing beside Baby Nicky’s crib, and Will runs down the stairs yelling, ‘EARTHQUAKE!’” Ryan recalled. “That moment sparked something in young Ryan. I wanted to make people feel the kind of joy I felt right then.”

After nearly a decade of performing, Ryan took a bold step in 2023: enrolling in the prestigious Canadian Film Centre (CFC) in Toronto. “The biggest takeaway for me was learning to trust the timing of my life,” he said. “And realizing how emotionally connected I am to my body — that’s shaped how I approach performance.”

From horror to indie drama, Ryan has dabbled across genres, though his heart currently beats strongest for indie film. “Indies are my favorite so far,” he said. “There’s something magical about everyone coming together without the safety net of a massive studio budget — people just believe in the work.”

And Scarborough is always part of that work. “Scarborough taught me how different — and how similar — we all are,” he said. “That shows up in how I tell stories. It’s colorful, it’s raw, and it’s real.”

Building Something Bigger with BDB Productions

Beyond acting, Ryan’s got his hands full behind the camera too. He’s one of seven co-founders of BDB Productions Inc., a company born out of a desire to create the kinds of projects they weren’t seeing enough of on screen.

“We wanted more ownership over the kinds of roles and stories we could be part of,” Ryan explained. “I’m passionate about stories that elevate, that show people overcoming adversity and learning to accept themselves.”

Balancing acting and producing is no small feat, but BDB has built a system that works. “We lean on each other, help manage the workload. I usually focus on production first, then switch over to acting,” he said. “But you have to be flexible — nothing ever goes exactly as planned.”

The company’s latest projects are already generating buzz. It Comes In Waves, in collaboration with Lenz Films, is nearing its world premiere. “It’s a powerful story about trauma — how it stays with us, how we cope, and how our actions ripple out in ways we don’t expect,” he said.

Then there’s Morningside, a deeply personal indie drama in which Ryan plays Q.P., shot in and inspired by his hometown. “It was rare and beautiful to work with my friends on something about where we grew up. We even used Scarborough slang — a little reminder that every community has its own flavor.”

Looking Ahead

As for the future, Ryan’s got stories to tell — and eventually, he wants to be the one directing them.

“Absolutely, 1000%,” he said. “I can’t wait to captain a project one day. I’ve got a ton of stories floating around. But for now, I’m focused on acting. Who knows where life will take me in a few years?”

Wherever that is, if Fear Street: Prom Queen is any indication, Ryan Rosery is carving a path that’s grounded, intentional, and full of heart — whether he’s making us laugh, scream, or feel seen.

Photography Credit: Jessica Chin King @photo.jck