Zach Cregger

Biography

Zach Cregger is an American comedian, actor, writer, and director who has carved out a unique and increasingly prominent path in the entertainment industry. While initially known for his comedic talents, Cregger has recently made a significant impact in the horror genre, showcasing his versatility and distinct vision.

Biography and Early Career:

Born on March 1, 1981, in Arlington, Virginia, Zachary Michael Cregger began his creative journey in local comedy and music groups. He later moved to Brooklyn, New York, to attend the School of Visual Arts, where he honed his skills and found like-minded collaborators.

His most notable early work came from co-founding the New York City-based sketch comedy troupe, The Whitest Kids U'Know (WKUK), in 2000, alongside Trevor Moore, Sam Brown, Timmy Williams, and Darren Trumeter. The troupe gained considerable online traction and local success, which led to an invitation to the 2006 HBO U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, where they won "Best Sketch Group." This recognition paved the way for their eponymous sketch comedy show, The Whitest Kids U'Know, which aired for five seasons from 2007 to 2011 on Fuse and later IFC. Cregger was a key writer, director, and performer on the show, contributing to its cult following.

During his time with WKUK, Cregger also co-wrote and co-directed the feature films Miss March (2009) and The Civil War on Drugs (2011) with Trevor Moore, further establishing his comedic voice and directorial aspirations.

Transition to Mainstream and Breakthrough:

Beyond sketch comedy, Cregger expanded his acting career, appearing in various sitcoms such as Friends with Benefits (2011), Guys with Kids (2012-2013), and Wrecked (2016-2018), showcasing his comedic timing and leading man potential.

However, Cregger's career took a significant and critically acclaimed turn with his 2022 horror film, Barbarian. He wrote and directed this unexpected hit, which garnered widespread positive reviews and commercial success. Barbarian demonstrated Cregger's ability to craft genuinely unsettling and unpredictable horror, marking a dramatic departure from his comedic roots and solidifying his reputation as a formidable genre filmmaker.

Recent and Upcoming Projects:

Following the success of Barbarian, Cregger has become a sought-after talent in the horror landscape. He has several exciting projects in the pipeline, including:

• Weapons (2025): Cregger is attached to write, direct, and produce this upcoming horror film, further cementing his presence in the genre.
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• Resident Evil (2026): In a highly anticipated move, Cregger is set to direct and write a reboot of the Resident Evil film franchise. Reports suggest his vision will return the popular video game adaptation to its horror roots, a direction that has excited fans of the original games.

Zach Cregger's career exemplifies a successful pivot from a strong comedic background to a surprising yet impactful foray into horror. His ability to deliver both laughs and genuine scares showcases a diverse talent that promises an intriguing future in filmmaking.