The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
CoversEntertainmentFeaturedFilmThe LatestVideo

Mason Gooding Stars As The Knockturnal’s Nineteenth Digital Cover

Mason Talks 'Heart Eyes', Balancing Horror and Romance, and Whether He’d Actually Survive a Slasher

by Bianca Velazquez February 5, 2025
by Bianca Velazquez February 5, 2025 0 comments
2.1K

With the upcoming release of new slasher film ‘Heart Eyes’, Gooding brings charm, chaos, and killer Instincts.

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Calvin Klein Coat, Paul Smith Top, Sandro Pants & YSL Boots

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Calvin Klein Coat, Paul Smith Top, YSL Pants & Boots

Mason Gooding has spent the past few years carving out a place for himself in film and TV, seamlessly blending charm, humor, and a commanding on-screen presence. From his breakout role in HBO’s Ballers to scene-stealing performances in the Scream franchise, he’s proven to be more than just a leading man—he’s a storyteller with range.

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Sandro Coat, Paul Smith Top, YSL Pants & Boots

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Sandro Coat, Paul Smith Top, YSL Pants & Boots

Now, he’s stepping into something different: a genre-bending, adrenaline-fueled horror rom-com.

Heart Eyes, directed by Josh Ruben, isn’t your typical Valentine’s Day movie. It’s a film that Gooding describes as “a rom-com that gets hijacked by a horror film”—and if the eerie, slowed-down cover of Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You in the teaser trailer is any indication, audiences are in for something unexpected.

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Sandro Coat, Paul Smith Top, YSL Pants & Boots

Shot in Auckland, New Zealand over the summer of 2024 but set in Seattle, the Spyglass feature follows Ally (Olivia Holt) and Jay (Gooding), a pair of co-workers whose night takes a turn for the terrifying when a masked killer sets out for romantic couples, mistaking them for one. The film leans into classic slasher tropes but injects them with a fresh, self-aware energy that makes it stand out. 

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Sandro Coat, Paul Smith Top, YSL Pants & Boots

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Sandro Coat, Paul Smith Top, YSL Pants & Boots

Gooding is no stranger to horror franchises, having played Chad Meeks-Martin in two Scream films, with a third (Scream 7) on the way. But Heart Eyes introduces a new kind of slasher villain—one that makes Ghostface seem almost restrained.

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Tom Ford Coat

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Tom Ford Coat

“Ghostface has a more nuanced, domesticated style of terror where they’ll use the element of surprise, in a way that Heart Eyes is far more brutal about their methods of murder,” he explains.

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Marcus Hill Suit, Dior Shirt, Dior Tie B & YSL Shoes

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Marcus Hill Suit, Dior Shirt, Dior Tie B & YSL Shoes

Still, no matter the franchise, Gooding’s approach to horror behind the scenes remains the same: it’s all about connection. 

The best part about [both] Scream and Heart Eyes specifically is the built-in narrative that I have a ‘partner’… Jasmin Savoy Brown, who plays my sister in Scream, and Olivia Holt in Heart Eyes. Part of my ethos as an actor is ‘how do I support my costars and the people I’m in a scene with?’ And in both cases, they’re very thoughtful, giving, intelligent people far beyond my capabilities.

The film also boasts a talented ensemble, including Gigi Zumbado as Ally’s friend, Michaela Watkins as Ally and Jay’s boss, Devon Sawa as Detective Hobbs, Jordana Brewster as Detective Shaw, and writers Michael Kennedy, Phillip Murphy, and Christopher Landon.

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Marcus Hill Suit, Dior Shirt, Dior Tie B & YSL Shoes

While Heart Eyes lets Gooding flex his comedic muscles through terror, he’s steadily built a résumé filled with dynamic roles across film and television. Last year, he starred in Kyle Mooney’s directorial debut Y2K, an A24 thriller that reimagines the infamous Y2K scare, alongside Rachel Zegler and Alicia Silverstone. He also appeared in the Amazon romantic comedy I Want You Back with Charlie Day and Jenny Slate, as well as Moonshot, an HBO Max sci-fi rom-com opposite Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse.

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Marcus Hill Suit, Dior Shirt, Dior Tie B & YSL Shoes

On the TV side, Gooding led Hulu’s Love, Victor, the hit series set in the world of Love, Simon, and even lent his voice to  podcast Electric Easy, a musical neo-noir science fiction show set in a futuristic Los Angeles with Chloe Bailey. 

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Marcus Hill Suit, Dior Shirt, Dior Tie B & YSL Shoes

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Marcus Hill Suit, Dior Shirt, Dior Tie B & YSL Shoes

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Marcus Hill Suit, Dior Shirt, Dior Tie B & YSL Shoes

Despite his experience playing a horror survivor, you’d think Gooding would have some survival instincts if he ever found himself in a real-life slasher scenario. His verdict? Not so much.

I want to say I would win. I’d be the last man standing, I would fight any time I saw them and try my best. But the real answer is, I would die. I wouldn’t see them coming, and I’d be that asshole that was like, ‘EVERYONE GO, I’LL TAKE HIM,’ and then there’s like, six of them.

That relatability is part of what makes him such a compelling presence on screen. His character Jay is equal parts endearing and hilarious, incorporating improv too good to leave out.

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Celine Jacket, Emporio Armani Top, Armani Belt, Tom For Pants

As he continues to evolve in his career, shifting between genres and pushing creative boundaries, one thing is clear: Mason Gooding isn’t just playing the roles—he’s shaping them. And with Heart Eyes, he’s proving once again why he’s one of Hollywood’s most exciting rising stars.

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Celine Jacket, Emporio Armani Top, Armani Belt, Tom For Pants

Mason Gooding Photographed By Harol Baez, Styled By Mike Stallings. Wearing Celine Jacket, Emporio Armani Top, Armani Belt, Tom For Pants

Heart Eyes is in theaters on February 7.



Photographer: Harol Baez @harolbaezstudio
Photographer Assistant: Chris Fucile @chrisfucilephotography
Stylist: Mike Stallings @mikestallingsny
Stylist Assistant: Aaron Mobley @aaronmobley_
Editor-in-Chief: OJ Williams @ojwilliams4
Cover Writer: Bianca Velazquez @biancamvelazquez
Videographer: Justin Rodriguez @jm.rodrigueznyc
Cover Design: Ben Schmidt @benjaminryanschmidt
Production Assistant: Tessa Dobrow @itstessadarling
Production Assistant: Rebecca Eugene @speciallybecca

Coverexclusivefilminterviewmason goodingpremierevalentine's day
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Bianca Velazquez

previous post
The Valley’s Brittany Cartwright Bares It All With Charmin Campaign
next post
Norman Lear Produced Prime Series “Clean Slate” Premieres

Related Posts

Josh Sharp’s ta-da! Blends Rapid-Fire Humor, Raw Truth,...

August 6, 2025

Netflix and WWE Deliver an Unforgettable Night at...

August 6, 2025

WWE SummerSlam 2025 Injects Life into MetLife Stadium

August 3, 2025

Review: Akiva Schaffer’s Reboot of The Naked Gun...

August 2, 2025

Pilates, Passion, and Community: How SQLPT Pilates is...

August 1, 2025

At The Scene: Bret Hart, Chase Freedom, and...

August 1, 2025

Exclusive: Alison Brie and Dave Franco on Working...

August 1, 2025

Discovering Healthy Legs with Metro Vein Centers

July 31, 2025

Unifying the Islands: Jason Momoa Leads Apple TV+’s...

July 30, 2025

Premier Protein and Milk Bar Launch Premier Protein...

July 30, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Crime never looked this funny. The Naked Gun premi Crime never looked this funny. The Naked Gun premieres in NYC with red carpet wreckage and A-list absurdity. 🎬

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/inside-the-starry-new-york-premiere-of-the-naked-gun/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#TheNakedGun #NYCPremiere #RedCarpetMoments #ComedyMovie #MoviePremiere #FilmLovers #NYCEvents
Don’t scroll past this 👀 The Knockturnal news Don’t scroll past this 👀 The Knockturnal newsletter is back and better than ever—exclusive events, hot giveaways, early access to merch drops, and all the buzz you don’t want to miss. Be the first to know what everyone’s talking about. Hit that subscribe. 📨🔥 #StayKnockedIn

-
#TheKnockturnal #GiveawayAlert #NewsletterDrop #PopCultureFix #ExclusiveAccess #EventInvites #MerchDrop #BehindTheScenes #FirstToKnow #HypeList #StayInTheKnow #CultureUnlocked #FreebiesForYou #NYCEvents #LAEvents #MediaInsider #TrendWatch #WhatToWatch #InfluencerNews #KnockturnalInsider
@kconusa wishes @onyourm__ark a ‘Happy Birthday” after his solo and group performance with @NCT127 🥹💚

Full concert write-up coming soon on @TheKnockturnal! 👀📝

#KCON #KCONLA #KCONLA2025 #MARKLEE #NCT127 #NCT
All the cheers for @aespa_official during ‘Super All the cheers for @aespa_official during ‘Supernova’ at #KCONLA2025 🥹❤️‍🔥

Full concert write-up coming soon on @TheKnockturnal! 👀📝

#aespa #KPOP #KCON2025 @KCONUSA
Aghases, who else is feeling extra proud right now Aghases, who else is feeling extra proud right now?! 💚🐥

@JacksonWang852g7 just owned his first-ever solo stage at #KCONLA2025, and yes, a tour is coming soon 👀🔥

Full concert write-up coming soon on @TheKnockturnal! 👀📝

#JacksonWang #GOT7 #KCON #KCONLA2025 #Aghase
Something is in the LA air at @kconusa!!! 👀❤️‍🔥 So iconic. 💫

Full concert write-up coming soon on @TheKnockturnal! 👀📝

#IDLE #YUQI #ZHANGHAO #ZB1 #ZEROBASEONE #KCON #KCONLA2025
👀 DID YOU SEE THAT?! @nmixx_official made a ‘ 👀 DID YOU SEE THAT?! @nmixx_official made a ‘BOOM’ at #KCONLA2025 with their performance of “SEE THAT?” 🔥🎤

Full concert write-up coming soon on @TheKnockturnal! 👀📝

#NMIXX #KPOP #KCON2025 @kconusa @kcon
“Dirty Work” hits U.S. soil 🇺🇸🔥 aespa “Dirty Work” hits U.S. soil 🇺🇸🔥 aespa performs it live for the first time at #KCONLA2025… and the crowd went wild 💥💃✨

Full concert write-up coming soon on @TheKnockturnal! 👀📝

#aespa #DirtyWork #KPOP #KCON2025 @kconusa @kconofficial
Lights, rhythm, and corazón — @badbunnypr lates Lights, rhythm, and corazón — @badbunnypr latest show proves he’s not just performing for fans, he’s performing for Puerto Rico. 🇵🇷

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/i-was-there-bad-bunnys-residency-show-was-more-than-a-concert-it-was-a-love-letter-to-puerto-rico/

✍️: Abigail Amengual

-
#BadBunny #BadBunnyLive #ConcertVibes #UnVeranoSinTi #PuertoRicoPride #ReggaetonVibes #LatinTrap #BenitoMartinez #YHLQMDLG #WorldsHottestTour #YoNoMeQuieroIrDeAqui
🎶 Catch JO1 in Los Angeles at their exclusive “Sound Cafe”!

Sip on special drinks, enjoy lucky draws, and enjoy some of JO1’s music!!! 

📍 6XS Silverlake
🗓️ July 31 – Aug 1 | ⏰ 2PM – 6PM

See you there ~
#JO1 #JPOP @official_jo1
@omega_x_official first sub-unit, OX:N, consisting @omega_x_official first sub-unit, OX:N, consisting of members Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, Yechan, is stepping into a new era with their debut EP N — a heartfelt dive into love, longing, and Y2K nostalgia. From Xen’s vulnerable songwriting to Jaehan’s emotional vocals, this release marks a bold chapter for the group and their fans. 🎵🎶

Reporter @idkrena sat down with the members to talk about their creative process, their favorite Y2K memories, and what they’d tell their pre-debut selves. Watch the full interview here: https://theknockturnal.com/oxn-talks-new-ep-n-making-music/

-
#OXN #OmegaX #EP_N #YOU #SuitAndTie #LetMeIn #Orpheus #CauseOfYou #KpopSubunit #NewMusic #Y2Kpop #ArtisticGrowth #Nsymbol #InfinitePossibilities #FORX
MILLI’s “HEAVYWEIGHT” hits hard — and not MILLI’s “HEAVYWEIGHT” hits hard — and not just with bars. Bold, raw, and fiercely herself, the Thai rapper (@phuckitol) opens up about growth, power, and the price of vulnerability. This is MILLI in her era. 🔥✨ 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/milli/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
 #Exclusive #HEAVYWEIGHT #MILLI #PowerInVulnerability #Unapologetic #WomenInMusic #GlobalStar #AsianExcellence #NextGenVoices #FearlessFemales #EditorialFeature #BoldAndUnfiltered #MusicThatMatters #RisingIcon
¡Nos Vamos al Mundial! 🇲🇽⚽ Buchanan’s k ¡Nos Vamos al Mundial! 🇲🇽⚽ Buchanan’s kicked off the World Cup countdown with rhythm, passion, and a whole lot of fútbol flair. From the Buchamión to the dance floor, the party brought serious heat. 🥃🔥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/buchanans-fifa-world-cup-2026-afterparty/

✍️: Nova Bajamonti

-
#BuchanansWhiskey #FIFAWorldCup2026 #NosVamosAlMundial #FutbolFiesta #WorldCupVibes #WhiskeyLovers #PartyTime #CelebrateGoodTimes #SoccerSeason #Buchamion #GoodSpirits
Atlanta, you felt it — @beyonce brought fierce s Atlanta, you felt it — @beyonce brought fierce southern swagger and unstoppable energy on Night 1 of the Cowboy Carter Tour. From high-octane performances to those unforgettable moments of raw emotion, this wasn’t just a concert — it was a full-on takeover. The queen proved once again why she reigns supreme, turning the ATL into her own frontier. Yeehaw, Yoncé. 🔥✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/this-aint-texas-this-is-atlanta-beyonce-shuts-down-night-1-of-the-cowboy-carter-tour/

✍️: Chantell Hayden

#CowboyCarterTour #Beyoncé #Yoncé #AtlantaNights #QueenB #LiveMusic #TourVibes #SouthernSwagger #MusicMagic #NightOne #ConcertVibes #FierceAndFree #ATL
James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel blends hea James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel blends heart, humor, and high stakes. 🦸🏻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/super-meh-james-gunns-superman-feels-like-its-trying-too-hard-to-be-everything/

✍️: Julian Cannon 

-
#Superman #JamesGunn #DCStudios #DCUniverse #ManOfSteel #SuperheroMovies #MovieReview
Diana Ross defines an icon. A national treasure w Diana Ross defines an icon.  A national treasure with a magnificent legacy that has changed the course of music history and popular culture. Get ready for an incredible night at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24 +25. We’ve teamed up with #HollywoodBowl and #LAPhil for a ticket giveaway! This is a show you won’t want to miss! 

Click the link 🔗 in our bio to enter

Giveaway ends on Friday @ 11:59PM EST - Good Luck!
#knockgiveaway #losangeles
Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevato Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevator…” 🍬

On July 6th, at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the beloved Korean idol @baekhyunee_exo took the stage for the last U.S. stop of his first ever solo tour under his own label, @inb100_official. ✨

🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/baekhyun/ 

#Baekhyun #INB100 #Kpop #KpopConcert #ReviereTour #Reviere #EXO
✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨ Macy’s iconic @mac ✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨
Macy’s iconic @macys Fourth of July Fireworks lit up the night sky over the Brooklyn Bridge in a dazzling display of light, sound, and celebration. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/macys-fourth-of-july-fireworks-sparkle-bright-at-brooklyn-bridge/

-
#MacysFireworks #BrooklynBridge #FourthOfJuly #NYCSummer
@lorde “Virgin” is more than an album — it’s an aural snapshot of an artist on the brink of redefining pop music. Step inside Lorde’s world, with us. 🎧🩻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/virgin-an-x-ray-of-lordes-sonic-arrival/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#Lorde #Virgin #MusicReview #PopCulture
Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “ Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “Ironheart”, @marvelstudios newest @disneyplus show. From Wakanda to a tech-powered hero, she shares the journey, challenges, and excitement of suiting up as Riri Williams. Get ready for a fresh take on heroism! 🔥💥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/dominique-thorne-talks-new-marvel-tv-show-ironheart-on-disney/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
 #Ironheart #MarvelTV #DisneyPlus #DominiqueThorne
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch