Gerard Johnstone
Biography
Gerard Johnstone is a New Zealand screenwriter and director who has garnered international recognition for his unique ability to seamlessly blend horror with comedy. Born on March 4, 1976, in Invercargill, New Zealand, Johnstone has steadily built a career defined by his sharp wit and distinctive vision.
Early Career in Comedy:
Johnstone's career in entertainment began in the early 2000s, when he worked with New Zealand TV presenter and actor Jaquie Brown at C4. This collaboration blossomed into a professional partnership, leading them to co-create the New Zealand sitcom The Jaquie Brown Diaries in 2008. Johnstone served as both writer and director for the series, which was based on a satirical, fictionalized version of Brown's life. The show showcased his comedic sensibilities and laid the groundwork for his future directorial endeavors.
Breakthrough with "Housebound" and Genre Mastery:
Johnstone made his feature film directorial debut with the critically acclaimed horror-comedy Housebound (2014). This New Zealand film, which he also wrote, premiered at South by Southwest and quickly became a cult favorite. Housebound ingeniously combined elements of haunted house horror with sharp humor and unexpected plot twists, proving Johnstone's knack for balancing scares and laughs. His success put him on the radar of Hollywood producers.
His talent for blending genres caught the attention of horror magnate James Wan, who admired Johnstone's work on Housebound. This led to his next major project.
International Success with "M3GAN":
In 2022, Gerard Johnstone directed the highly anticipated horror film M3GAN, produced by James Wan's Atomic Monster and Jason Blum's Blumhouse Productions. The film, which blended sci-fi, horror, and dark comedy elements, became a massive critical and commercial success, grossing over $181 million worldwide against a modest budget. Johnstone's direction was praised for its balance of camp, genuine scares, and social commentary on AI and parenting. M3GAN solidified his reputation as a director with a distinct voice in contemporary horror.
Upcoming Projects:
Following the triumph of M3GAN, Johnstone is set to return to direct the highly anticipated sequel, M3GAN 2.0, scheduled for release in June 2025. He is also contributing to the story and screenplay for the sequel, promising another thrilling and entertaining chapter in the M3GAN saga.
Gerard Johnstone's career trajectory highlights his evolution from a comedic writer-director in New Zealand television to a globally recognized filmmaker capable of delivering compelling genre cinema. His unique vision and ability to infuse humor into horror continue to make him a captivating force in the industry.
