Fumie Suguri, the legendary figure skater and 18-time medalist, is taking on an entirely new challenge—one that trades ice rinks for the eerie depths of the unknown. The internationally renowned athlete is making her major acting debut as the terrifying and enigmatic creature in “Goon of the Lagoon“, a seductive horror thriller set for a 2025 global release.
Though Suguri has dazzled audiences for years with her grace, strength, and agility, this film showcases her talents in an entirely different light. Her ability to blend beauty with raw physicality makes her a natural fit for the role of the film’s otherworldly predator, described by director Gino R. Payne as “a performance that proves she’s one of the best athletes in the world.”
Goon of the Lagoon is already generating significant buzz, not only for its chilling premise but also for its subtle nods to Japanese horror culture. While the creature in the film is entirely original, its eerie, shape-shifting nature draws inspiration from Japan’s Yokai supernatural beings that have fascinated audiences for centuries. With Japan’s rich history of creature-driven horror films, from The Ring to The Grudge, Goon of the Lagoon taps into that same fear of the unknown, this time lurking beneath the water.
The film follows a grieving young woman who, in the midst of loss and uncertainty, finds herself facing an unimaginable terror in the depths of a secluded lake. As she struggles to prove that the danger is real, her fears are dismissed until it’s too late. Behind the camera is Gino R. Payne, a respected name among Hollywood insiders, known for his work on major productions such as Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead. His keen eye for immersive world-building and psychological tension makes Goon of the Lagoon a highly anticipated addition to the horror genre.
With international distribution secured through OneTwoThree Media and Guerilla Rep Entertainment, the film is poised for a worldwide rollout in 2025, and expectations are high. Payne’s signature storytelling, combined with Suguri’s striking and unexpected debut, positions Goon of the Lagoon as a must-watch for horror fans and Asian American audiences eager to see more diverse talent taking on lead roles in Hollywood.
For Fumie Suguri, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one that could solidify her as more than just an elite athlete, but as a captivating presence on the silver screen. With her first major film role already making waves, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning.
