By Stig Editor Dan Reynolds Makes Acting Debut in Netflix’s Dark Fantasy Thriller Demons….
June 23, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA
In a bold career move that has surprised fans and critics alike, Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds has officially made his acting debut — starring in Netflix’s newest original film, Demons, a supernatural thriller that’s already dominating the platform’s Top 10 list worldwide.
Released on Friday with little advance promotion, Demons has quickly become a breakout hit, and Reynolds’ gritty, intense performance is at the center of the buzz.
A Haunting Story of Redemption and Darkness
Demons follows the story of Calen Vale (played by Reynolds), a washed-up musician who returns to his rural hometown after his brother’s mysterious death. But what begins as a personal reckoning soon unravels into a nightmarish descent into a shadow realm — one where literal demons feed on guilt, trauma, and hidden truths.
Directed by indie horror veteran Lena Halberg, the film blends psychological horror, supernatural elements, and raw emotion. Reynolds’ character is tormented by visions, distorted memories, and a sinister force that seems tied to his family’s dark past. With a haunting original soundtrack co-written by Reynolds himself, Demons walks the line between a cinematic mind-bender and an emotional character study.
Dan Reynolds: Musician Turned Actor
Best known for his electrifying stage presence and emotionally charged lyrics, Reynolds has long teased interest in film. But Demons marks his first major role on-screen — and it’s not a light one.
“I wasn’t looking for something safe,” Reynolds said in a behind-the-scenes interview with Netflix. “I wanted a story that felt real beneath the fantasy — something that scared me, emotionally. Demons did that.”
Critics have praised Reynolds for his raw intensity, with Rolling Stone calling his performance “unexpectedly gripping” and Collider noting, “He brings the kind of pain you can’t fake. There’s a depth here that hints at a real future in film.”
Fan Reactions: “We’re Not Okay — and That’s the Point”
Social media lit up after the film dropped, with viewers applauding both the story and Reynolds’ emotional range. Fans used hashtags like #DanInDemons, #DemonsNetflix, and #CalenValeLives to discuss key moments, especially the film’s twist ending and its chilling final scene — a haunting acoustic performance by Reynolds himself, filmed in a candlelit chapel set deep in the woods.
“He acted, he sang, he broke our hearts,” one fan posted. “Dan Reynolds just pulled a Jared Leto-level transformation, minus the weirdness.”
What’s Next for Reynolds?
While Netflix has not confirmed any sequels or spin-offs, Demons ends with a cliffhanger that leaves room for more. Reynolds, for now, is keeping things vague.
“I’ll always be a musician first,” he said, “but there’s something about storytelling through film that I’ve fallen in love with. If the right story comes along, I’m open.”
With Demons gaining momentum and a new generation of fans discovering Reynolds beyond the music, this could be the beginning of a whole new chapter for the Imagine Dragons frontman.
Note: This article is fictional. Dan Reynolds has not starred in a Netflix film called Demons as of this writing.