AGT Star Ashlee Montague Trades Acrobatic Flips for Chilling Horror in Upcoming ‘Abandoned’ Film

In a stunning pivot that has fans buzzing, Ashlee Montague, the acrobatic sensation who captivated audiences on America’s Got Talent Season 19, is leaping into the world of filmmaking with a starring role in the spine-tingling horror movie ‘Abandoned‘, slated for a 2026 release. This transition from high-flying stunts to on-screen terror marks a bold new chapter for the 24-year-old performer, whose viral AGT audition amassed over 5 million views on social media within weeks of airing.

Montague’s journey from reality TV darling to horror film lead isn’t just a career shift—it’s a testament to the versatility of talent in the entertainment industry. Sources close to the production reveal that her athletic prowess will play a pivotal role in the film’s intense action sequences, blending physicality with psychological dread. As Hollywood scouts for fresh faces amid a post-pandemic surge in genre films, Montague’s story highlights how unscripted TV can serve as a launchpad for scripted cinema.

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

Ashlee Montague first exploded onto the national scene during America’s Got Talent Season 19 in the summer of 2024, where her death-defying aerial silk routines left judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel in awe. Hailing from a small town in Ohio, Montague had trained rigorously since age 10, combining gymnastics with contemporary dance to create performances that were as emotionally charged as they were visually spectacular.

Her audition featured a routine set to haunting orchestral music, where she twisted and flipped mid-air, symbolizing themes of resilience and escape—elements that unknowingly foreshadowed her upcoming horror role. “Ashlee didn’t just perform; she told a story with her body,” Cowell remarked during the live show, awarding her a golden buzzer that propelled her to the semifinals. The moment went viral, with clips shared across TikTok and Instagram, garnering endorsements from celebrities like Ariana Grande, who called Montague “a force of nature.”

Statistics from NBC reveal that Montague’s episodes drew a 15% increase in viewership among the 18-34 demographic, underscoring her appeal to younger audiences craving authentic talent. Despite not clinching the top prize—ultimately won by a vocal quartet—Montague’s elimination in the quarterfinals sparked an online petition with over 100,000 signatures demanding her return. This groundswell of support caught the eye of independent filmmakers, leading to her casting in ‘Abandoned‘.

Reflecting on her AGT experience in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Montague shared, “America’s Got Talent was my proving ground. It taught me to perform under pressure, and now I’m channeling that into acting. The adrenaline from flipping 20 feet in the air? It’s not so different from screaming through a horror scene.” Her journey mirrors that of other AGT alumni like Grace VanderWaal, who transitioned to music and film, proving the show’s enduring impact on careers.

Unveiling the Eerie Plot of ‘Abandoned’ and Montague’s Pivotal Role

The horror movie ‘Abandoned‘, directed by rising indie filmmaker Elena Vasquez, promises to redefine supernatural thrillers with its grounded, character-driven narrative. Set in a dilapidated Midwestern farmhouse, the film follows a young couple—played by Montague and co-star Jordan Hayes—who inherit the property only to uncover a century-old curse tied to the land’s dark history. As paranormal events escalate from subtle whispers to violent manifestations, the story delves into themes of inherited trauma and the inescapability of the past.

Montague portrays Riley, the resilient protagonist whose background as a former athlete allows her to navigate the film’s harrowing chases and possessions. Production insiders note that the script, penned by horror veteran Marcus Hale, draws inspiration from real-life haunted house legends, incorporating elements like ouija board sessions and shadowy apparitions that have already tested the cast during table reads.

What sets ‘Abandoned‘ apart in the crowded horror movie landscape is its integration of practical effects over CGI, a decision Vasquez championed to heighten authenticity. Montague’s acrobatic skills shine in a key sequence where Riley evades spectral entities through a crumbling attic, performing her own stunts to capture raw vulnerability. “Ashlee brings an athletic edge that’s rare in horror leads,” Vasquez told Variety. “Her ability to convey fear while executing complex moves elevates the tension.”

Early buzz from test screenings indicates strong potential; a leaked teaser trailer on YouTube has racked up 2 million views, with fans praising Montague’s scream as “goosebump-inducing.” The film’s budget, estimated at $8 million, positions it as a mid-tier release from distributor Shadow Pictures, aiming to capitalize on the genre’s box-office dominance—horror films grossed over $1.2 billion globally in 2024, per Box Office Mojo.

Incorporating filmmaking techniques like Dutch angles and desaturated color palettes, ‘Abandoned‘ echoes classics such as ‘The Conjuring’ while infusing modern social commentary on generational curses. Montague’s involvement extends beyond acting; she’s credited as a stunt consultant, advising on how to make supernatural pursuits feel physically plausible.

From Circus Silks to Silver Screen: Montague’s Intense Filmmaking Training

Transitioning from the live-wire energy of America’s Got Talent to the meticulous craft of filmmaking required Montague to immerse herself in acting boot camps and horror-specific workshops. Post-AGT, she relocated to Los Angeles, enrolling in a six-month program at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, where she honed method acting techniques to embody Riley’s terror.

“I went from performing for applause to dissecting emotions frame by frame,” Montague explained in a podcast with The Hollywood Reporter. Her regimen included vocal coaching to master blood-curdling screams—drawing from ASMR horror trends—and physical therapy to adapt her acrobatics for camera work, ensuring movements read dynamically on screen without the safety nets of live TV.

The filmmaking process for ‘Abandoned‘ began with a grueling two-week rehearsal in rural Pennsylvania, mirroring the film’s isolated setting. Cast and crew endured simulated hauntings, including jump scares orchestrated by special effects teams, to build on-set chemistry. Montague’s co-star Hayes, known for indie dramas, lauded her adaptability: “Ashlee’s not just flipping; she’s flipping the script on what a newcomer can achieve in horror.”

Industry experts point to Montague’s shift as part of a broader trend. According to a 2024 Deloitte report on entertainment, 40% of streaming platforms are scouting reality TV stars for genre projects, citing their built-in fanbases. Montague’s social media following, now at 1.5 million across platforms, positions her as a marketing goldmine—posts teasing ‘Abandoned‘ have boosted engagement by 300%.

Challenges abounded: Montague revealed dealing with claustrophobia during confined shoots and the psychological toll of night exteriors. Yet, her AGT-honed discipline prevailed. “Every flip on stage prepared me for the unknowns of film,” she said. This preparation has not only readied her for ‘Abandoned‘ but also sparked interest from other directors, including a rumored offer for a thriller sequel.

Industry Buzz and Fan Reactions to Montague’s Horror Debut

As news of Ashlee Montague‘s foray into ‘Abandoned‘ spreads, the entertainment world is abuzz with speculation on her star potential. Horror aficionados on Reddit’s r/horror forum have launched threads dissecting her casting, with one top post reading, “From AGT flips to ghost chases? This could be the next big crossover.” Fan art depicting Montague as a spectral acrobat has flooded DeviantArt, amplifying the viral hype.

Critics and insiders weigh in favorably. Film critic Roger Friedman of Showbiz411 predicted, “Montague’s physicality could make ‘Abandoned‘ a standout in 2026’s horror slate, rivaling successes like ‘Smile’ or ‘M3GAN’.” Her AGT judges have voiced support too; Klum posted on Instagram, “Can’t wait to see Ashlee scare us all—brava!” This endorsement underscores the symbiotic relationship between TV and film ecosystems.

Statistically, crossovers like Montague’s are on the rise. A Variety analysis shows that 25% of 2023’s top-grossing horrors featured non-traditional leads, boosting diversity and freshness. Montague’s background adds layers—her Ohio roots resonate with the film’s heartland setting, potentially drawing Midwestern audiences. Marketing strategies include tie-ins with AGT’s digital platforms, aiming for a hybrid fanbase that could push opening weekend projections to $15-20 million.

Challenges persist in the male-dominated horror genre, where female leads often face typecasting. Montague addresses this head-on: “I’m not just the girl who gets chased; Riley fights back with everything she’s got.” Her advocacy for stunt performers’ rights, highlighted in a union-backed op-ed, further cements her as an industry changemaker.

Social media metrics paint a rosy picture: Hashtags like #AshleeInAbandoned trend weekly, with user-generated content—fan edits blending AGT clips with horror soundtracks—garnering millions of impressions. This organic buzz positions Montague as a social media-savvy star, essential in an era where TikTok trailers can make or break releases.

Future Horizons: Montague’s Expanding Empire Beyond ‘Abandoned’

Looking ahead, Ashlee Montague‘s debut in the horror movie ‘Abandoned‘ is merely the opening act in what promises to be a multifaceted career. With filmmaking offers piling up, including whispers of a Netflix action-drama, Montague is eyeing production roles to amplify underrepresented voices. “AGT opened doors, but horror is where I build my legacy,” she confided to Deadline.

The 2026 release of ‘Abandoned‘ aligns with a horror renaissance, fueled by streaming wars and theatrical comebacks. Analysts forecast the genre’s global market to hit $15 billion by 2028, per Grand View Research, creating ample opportunities for talents like Montague. Her post-film plans include launching an acrobatics academy in LA, blending her performance roots with mentorship.

Fans can expect more crossovers: Montague has teased collaborations with AGT peers in short films, potentially expanding her ‘Abandoned‘ universe. As she navigates fame’s tightrope, her story inspires aspiring artists—proof that talent knows no genre bounds. With ‘Abandoned‘ on the horizon, Montague isn’t just transitioning; she’s soaring into stardom’s next realm.

In the ever-evolving entertainment landscape, Montague’s path signals a new era where reality TV agility meets cinematic depth, promising thrills for years to come.