Frogman Returns (2026) Delivers More Lore, More Gore, and More Frogman

I have seen the sequel to Frogman (2023), and it’s safe to say…

…Frogman (still) f*cks!

Frogman Returns occurs two years after the original film. Dallas Kyle (Nathan Tymoshuk) comes back and is featured in a new cryptid-focused TV show produced by the quirky Bridget Sauer (Alexis Allota). Audiences get a glimpse of some, dare I say, charming cryptids, which director Anthony Cousins plans to include as many as possible in his upcoming Frogman movies.

Dallas soon sets out to find his former friend, Amy (Chelsea Grant), whom he hasn’t seen since the Frogman incident. Despite his reluctance, Bridget and camera girl Lucy join him, and together they head to Loveland, Ohio, to find Amy and, perhaps, Frogman for the show.

From this point onward, it's a wild, chaotic roller coaster ride of magic wands, portals, and plenty of ooey-gooey gore!

This sequel’s embrace of campy insanity is truly remarkable. It nearly feels like a Lovecraftian cosmic descent into Hell, reminiscent of the V/H/S/99 segment “To Hell and Back” by Vanessa and Joseph Winter. Clearly, a bigger budget is at play here, ready to blow the roof off this project—and it doesn't take long for that to become evident.

The first Frogman focused on character and world-building, with the main event near the end of the third act. In contrast, Frogman Returns surprises you within the first 30 minutes. It features more lore, more Frogman, and more practical effects. Everything is intensified and cranked up to 11, making it a joy to watch on the big screen and in front of a big crowd.

All performances were strong, but Alexis Allota's portrayal of Bridget stood out to me. She captured his humor flawlessly, causing the whole theater to burst into laughter. You can’t help but love her!

But I suppose I was born yesterday because I had no idea that C. Robert Cargill, director of Sinister and The Black Phone, is the voice of THE Frogman. It was a surprise to see him help promote the movie alongside Cousins at the Chattanooga Film Festival.

I don’t recall the first Frogman being as humorous as this one! The comedy arises not just from Allota’s character but also from numerous clever callbacks scattered throughout the film. Although many are connected to the cryptids, I especially appreciate the Easter eggs embedded in the movie, which often make me chuckle afterward. There are many of these throughout the film.

Also, speaking of Easter eggs, if you can see the new film Grind (2026) by Ed Dougherty, Brea Grant, and Chelsea Stardust, there is a connection to the Frogman universe that is absolutely chef’s kiss. No spoilers here!

Overall, if you are a fan of the first Frogman, you will adore Frogman Returns. At only 78 minutes, it never overstays its welcome, and dare I say, I could’ve watched at least another 30 minutes of the Frogman chaos. This goes incredibly ridiculous in the best way, and I can safely say it was my favorite movie of the festival.

I rate Frogman Returns 4.5 out of 5 stars. Heck, maybe even 5 out of 5. If you love campy, bizarre, cosmic horror with a dash of comedy, this is definitely for you. It definitely had mine.

At the festival, Cousins suggested two possible titles for the next film: Frogman Forever and Frogman Lives. Which do you prefer? Either way, I’m definitely interested in more Frogman, whatever the title.

An official wide release date or streaming platform has not yet been announced, but you can track future distribution updates via the IMDb Frogman Returns page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUKrl9lBcpg

Now in its 13th year, the Chattanooga Film Festival is a volunteer-run nonprofit that showcases a diverse selection of genre films, curated by passionate cinephiles known for their laid-back, unpretentious approach. If you love the weird, the wild, and inclusive cinema, this festival is a must-see for every movie enthusiast, whether attending in person, virtually, or both!