Simon Barrett

Simon Barrett is an American screen artist from Columbia, Missouri, best known for his work as a writer and frequent collaborator of director Adam Wingard. Born in 1978, Barrett has helped shape some of the most talked-about genre films of the past decade, blending sharp character work with suspense-driven storytelling.

He broke through with the home-invasion thriller You’re Next (2011), later reuniting with Wingard on the cult-favorite action-thriller The Guest (2014) and the franchise revival Blair Witch (2016). His writing has also expanded into major studio spectacle, including Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024), while continuing to explore darker, high-concept territory with titles like Azrael (2024).

Barrett’s on-screen appearances and behind-the-scenes credits underline his hands-on approach to filmmaking. He has popped up in projects such as Contracted, 24 Exposures, and The ABCs of Death, and has been featured as himself in documentary-style extras like Neverending Night: The Making of Blair Witch. He also has an uncredited producing credit on Always Shine.

In 2021, Barrett stepped behind the camera for his feature directorial debut, Seance, further cementing his reputation as a versatile voice in contemporary horror and thriller cinema.