Naughty Dog’s much-anticipated new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, is stirring up excitement once again, with rumors hinting that the game may include horror-inspired elements. As the studio’s first original property in nearly 15 years, fans have been eagerly dissecting every detail since its debut trailer premiered at The Game Awards.
A Futuristic World with Deep Roots in Action-Adventure
The five-minute trailer introduced audiences to a bold new universe—a futuristic reimagining of 1986—where an anime-watching, Porsche-rocket-driving bounty hunter faces off against a menacing cyborg. It’s a striking setup that blends sci-fi, action, and a touch of retro nostalgia, drawing inspiration from classics like Akira and Cowboy Bebop.
As expected from Naughty Dog, Intergalactic promises to deliver an immersive narrative-driven experience. However, new speculation suggests the game might go beyond action-adventure, dipping into horror territory to add tension and depth to its storytelling.
Hints of Horror: A Deeper Look at the Rumors
The rumors originate from Joanastic, a Spanish YouTuber known for tracking Naughty Dog projects. According to Joanastic, concept art and social media posts from key team members hint at the inclusion of horror themes.
Concept artist Tye Martinez, whose portfolio features heavily in cinematic horror and thriller designs, is reportedly involved in Intergalactic. Martinez describes himself as a “self-taught artist specializing in cinematic horror and thriller concepts,” using a mix of photography and digital tools to create realistic, atmospheric pieces that inspire world-building.
Additionally, Colin Lorimer, a story artist at Naughty Dog, has tagged #horror alongside other genres in posts about the game. Lorimer, who worked with creative director Neil Druckmann on the initial pitch, celebrated the trailer’s release on Instagram, stating, “This trailer is a great tease for what’s to come, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together!”
These details have fans speculating that Intergalactic might lean into horror elements, such as eerie settings, psychological tension, or intense, suspense-driven encounters.
Philosophical Themes and Narrative Ambition
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Neil Druckmann described Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as an “ambitious” exploration of faith and institutional trust. “It’s about what happens when you put your faith in different institutions,” Druckmann explained, hinting at a story layered with philosophical depth and complex moral questions.
This narrative ambition aligns with Naughty Dog’s legacy of delivering thought-provoking stories, suggesting that horror elements could serve to enhance the tension and stakes of the game’s themes.
A Stellar Cast and Production Team
The game has been in development for over four years, with a team of more than 250 developers at Naughty Dog. Actress Tati Gabrielle stars as Jordan Mun, the bounty hunter protagonist, while music legends Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross compose the game’s soundtrack, promising a gripping and atmospheric audio experience.
Mixed Reception and Lingering Questions
Despite its high-profile reveal, the Intergalactic trailer has received mixed feedback online. Some critics have labeled the character design of Jordan Mun as “uninspired” or accused it of being overly focused on modern political messaging. Others have pointed out the product placement in the trailer, arguing that it detracts from Naughty Dog’s reputation for grounded storytelling.
However, fans remain optimistic about the game’s potential, especially with the possibility of horror elements adding new layers to its already ambitious premise.
Looking Ahead
As with all rumors, the supposed horror themes in Intergalactic should be taken with a grain of salt until officially confirmed by Naughty Dog. Nonetheless, the combination of sci-fi action, philosophical depth, and potential horror undertones makes Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet one of the most intriguing projects on the horizon.
With a star-studded cast, an innovative concept, and Naughty Dog’s pedigree for storytelling, the game is shaping up to be a bold departure from the studio’s established franchises. Whether it fully embraces horror or not, Intergalactic is already making waves as one of the most anticipated titles in recent memory.
