America’s Got Talent Finalist Ashlee Montague Dives into Filmmaking with Terrifying Role in 2026 Horror Film ‘Abandoned’

In a stunning pivot from the bright lights of talent show stages to the shadowy realms of Hollywood, Ashlee Montague, the electrifying Season 19 finalist from America’s Got Talent, has announced her bold entry into filmmaking. Montague, known for her jaw-dropping aerial silk performances that captivated millions, is set to star in the upcoming horror thriller ‘Abandoned’, slated for a 2026 release. This career leap comes with a tease of a dramatic physical and emotional transformation, promising to redefine her public image from acrobat to screen scream queen.

The news, dropped during a recent virtual interview on a popular entertainment podcast, has sent shockwaves through fan communities and industry insiders alike. Montague, who finished as a top contender on America’s Got Talent last year, revealed that her journey into acting began as a natural extension of her performative artistry. “I’ve always been about pushing boundaries,” she said, her voice steady yet laced with excitement. “From twisting in the air on silks to embodying a character haunted by her past in ‘Abandoned’—it’s all about vulnerability and raw emotion.”

This transition isn’t just a side hustle for Montague; it’s a calculated reinvention. With America’s Got Talent propelling her to national fame—garnering over 5 million views across her audition and semifinal clips on YouTube alone—she’s leveraging that visibility to break into filmmaking. The horror genre, booming with hits like ‘The Conjuring’ franchise that have grossed over $2 billion worldwide, seems like the perfect arena for her high-energy background.

Ashlee Montague‘s Meteoric Rise on America’s Got Talent Stage

Ashlee Montague’s story on America’s Got Talent is one of perseverance and pure spectacle. Hailing from a small town in Ohio, Montague discovered her passion for aerial arts during a community theater production in her teens. By the time she auditioned for Season 19 in 2024, she had honed her skills through years of rigorous training, performing at local festivals and even touring with a circus troupe. Her audition, a breathtaking routine set to haunting violin music, featured Montague suspended high above the stage, contorting her body into impossible shapes while spotlights danced across her silhouette.

The judges were floored. Simon Cowell, known for his tough critiques, hit the golden buzzer almost immediately, declaring, “This is the kind of talent that makes you believe in dreams again.” Heidi Klum praised her grace, while Howie Mandel admitted to getting chills—not from fear, but from the sheer athleticism. Montague advanced through the competition, facing off against vocalists, comedians, and dancers in a field of over 100 acts. Her semifinal performance, a high-stakes silk routine incorporating elements of contemporary dance, drew comparisons to Cirque du Soleil stars and secured her spot as a finalist.

Statistics from the show’s official metrics highlight her impact: her performances trended on social media with #AshleeMontague garnering 1.2 million mentions on TikTok alone during the season. Fan votes pushed her into the top five, where she delivered a finale act that blended aerial feats with storytelling—a narrative of overcoming personal loss through movement. Though she didn’t claim the crown, Montague walked away with a $1 million prize opportunity in sight and a fanbase hungry for more. Post-show, she inked endorsement deals with athletic wear brands and even launched an online course on aerial techniques, amassing 50,000 subscribers in months.

But Montague’s time on America’s Got Talent wasn’t without challenges. She opened up in interviews about the physical toll—bruises, strains, and the mental pressure of live television. “Every twist up there is a risk,” she shared in a post-finale Q&A. “It’s taught me resilience, which I know I’ll need in filmmaking.” This foundation of grit is what propelled her toward her next chapter, turning the spotlight from temporary stages to enduring silver screens.

Unveiling ‘Abandoned’: The Horror Project That Captured Ashlee’s Imagination

Enter ‘Abandoned’, the indie horror film that’s already buzzing in festival circuits. Directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Elena Vasquez, whose short film ‘Echoes in the Dark’ won accolades at Sundance, the movie explores themes of isolation and supernatural dread in a derelict family estate. Montague plays the lead role of Elara, a young woman returning to her childhood home after years away, only to uncover buried secrets that manifest as terrifying entities.

The script, penned by horror veteran Marcus Hale (known for contributions to ‘Insidious’ sequels), drew Montague in during a cold read at a Los Angeles casting call. “I read the first scene and felt it in my bones,” she recounted. “Elara isn’t just scared; she’s fighting for her sanity, much like I did balancing life and America’s Got Talent.” Production began in late 2024 in the foggy outskirts of Vancouver, chosen for its eerie, abandoned warehouses that double as the film’s haunting backdrop.

What sets ‘Abandoned’ apart in the crowded horror landscape is its blend of psychological tension and practical effects. No over-reliance on CGI here; the team used real-time projections and custom-built sets to create jump scares that feel visceral. Montague’s involvement marks her debut in filmmaking, but she’s no stranger to narrative depth—her America’s Got Talent acts often wove personal stories of triumph over adversity. The film’s budget, a modest $8 million crowdfunded through indie backers, underscores its grassroots vibe, with Vasquez emphasizing authenticity over spectacle.

Early footage teasers, shared exclusively on Montague’s Instagram (which boasts 750,000 followers), show her in a disheveled state, eyes wide with terror as shadows creep across cracked walls. The post, captioned “From silks to screams—2026 can’t come soon enough,” exploded with 200,000 likes and shares, signaling strong pre-release hype. Industry analysts predict ‘Abandoned’ could follow the trajectory of ‘The Blair Witch Project,’ a low-budget horror that redefined the genre with $248 million in global earnings on a $60,000 investment.

Ashlee Montague’s Dramatic Transformation for the Role in ‘Abandoned’

Montague’s preparation for ‘Abandoned’ has been nothing short of transformative. To embody Elara, she underwent months of method acting immersion, including a self-imposed isolation retreat in the California deserts. “I needed to feel that abandonment,” she explained in a recent Variety interview. Physically, the change is stark: her lithe, acrobatic physique from America’s Got Talent days has been altered with a regimen of weight training and makeup artistry to convey frailty and exhaustion.

Working with renowned horror makeup specialist Carla Ruiz, Montague sported prosthetics that aged her character by a decade, complete with subtle scars and hollowed cheeks achieved through non-invasive techniques. “It’s not just about looking the part; it’s about moving like someone broken,” Montague noted. Her aerial background proved invaluable during action sequences—Elara’s confrontations with spectral forces involve climbing rusted scaffolding, echoing Montague’s silk expertise but twisted into panic-driven escapes.

Emotionally, the role demanded vulnerability Montague hadn’t fully explored on stage. She collaborated with on-set therapist Dr. Lena Torres to process the intense scenes, drawing parallels to her America’s Got Talent nerves. “The judges’ panel was scary, but facing my own demons on camera? That’s next level,” she laughed. Co-stars, including veteran actor Derek Voss as Elara’s estranged father, have praised her commitment. Voss told Deadline, “Ashlee brings an authenticity that’s rare for a newcomer. She’s not acting; she’s living it.”

This metamorphosis extends beyond the screen. Montague has teased a personal style evolution, ditching the glittering leotards of her talent show era for edgier, goth-inspired looks at red-carpet events. Fashion blogs are already speculating on her influence, with searches for “Ashlee Montague horror makeover” spiking 300% on Google Trends since the announcement. In filmmaking, such dedication often launches careers—think of how Jennifer Lawrence’s raw intensity in ‘Winter’s Bone’ paved her Oscar path.

Fan Frenzy and Industry Buzz Surrounding Ashlee’s Filmmaking Debut

The revelation of Montague’s role in ‘Abandoned’ has ignited a firestorm of excitement. Fans of America’s Got Talent, still streaming her performances on Peacock (with Season 19 views exceeding 100 million episodes), flooded social media with support. Threads on Reddit’s r/AGT subreddit debate her potential as a scream queen, with one top post reading, “From flipping in the air to flipping out in horror—Ashlee’s got range!” Hashtags like #AshleeInAbandoned have trended globally, amassing 500,000 posts on X (formerly Twitter).

Industry reactions are equally enthusiastic. America’s Got Talent host Terry Crews tweeted, “Proud of you, Ashlee! Can’t wait to see you terrify us on the big screen.” Agents at CAA, who signed Montague post-show, see this as a strategic move into filmmaking. “Talent show stars often struggle with typecasting, but Ashlee’s choosing a genre that amplifies her strengths,” said rep Jordan Ellis in a Hollywood Reporter piece. The horror community, thriving with a 25% box office increase in 2024 per Box Office Mojo, welcomes fresh faces—recent successes like ‘Smile’ ($217 million worldwide) prove audiences crave new blood.

Critics and podcasters are weighing in too. On the “Horror Queers” podcast, hosts analyzed Montague’s teaser clips, noting her expressive eyes as perfect for subtle scares. Meanwhile, challenges loom: transitioning from live performance to edited film requires adapting to directors’ visions. Montague addressed this in a panel at the Austin Film Festival, saying, “America’s Got Talent gave me confidence, but filmmaking is collaborative chaos—I love it.” Early test screenings for ‘Abandoned’ insiders report 85% positive feedback, focusing on Montague’s breakout potential.

Beyond fans, Montague’s move inspires broader conversations about talent show alumni in Hollywood. Stars like Kelly Clarkson and Pentatonix have thrived musically, but actors like Todrick Hall show the path is viable. With horror films offering quick production cycles (often 60-90 days), it’s an accessible entry for performers like Montague, whose America’s Got Talent exposure provides built-in marketing.

What’s Next for Ashlee Montague: Expanding Horizons Beyond ‘Abandoned’

As ‘Abandoned’ gears up for its 2026 premiere—potentially at festivals like SXSW or Tribeca—Montague isn’t stopping at one role. She’s already in talks for a supporting part in a Netflix horror anthology, leveraging her filmmaking debut to build momentum. “I want to produce someday, maybe direct a story about aerial artists facing the supernatural,” she hinted in an exclusive with Entertainment Weekly. This forward-thinking approach could see her blending her America’s Got Talent roots with cinematic innovation.

Looking ahead, Montague plans workshops to mentor young performers on transitioning careers, drawing from her own blueprint. With horror projected to dominate streaming (horror titles made up 15% of top Netflix watches in 2024), her timing is impeccable. Fans speculate on sequels or franchise potential for ‘Abandoned’, especially if it mirrors the ‘Paranormal Activity’ series’ $890 million haul. Montague’s team eyes awards circuits, positioning her for breakout recognition.

Ultimately, this chapter marks Montague’s evolution from contestant to contender in Hollywood’s competitive arena. As she puts it, “The silks were my first stage, but the screen is my endless one.” With America’s Got Talent as her launchpad, the world watches as Ashlee Montague redefines fear, one frame at a time.