Lil Rel Howery Premieres Haunted Heist in Detroit, Performs Live

Comedian and actor Milton “Lil Rel” Howery is making waves in Detroit as he premieres his directorial debut, “Haunted Heist.” The genre-blending comedy, horror, and mystery film was shot in the Motor City and will debut at the Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, in September. Howery, who hails from Chicago, is not only directing but also starring in the film alongside notable talents like Stephen Blackwell and Brett Gelman.

The film revolves around five estranged friends who gather in a house with plans to rob it. Notably, the cast includes appearances by actress Tiffany Haddish and local Detroit comedians Martini Harris and Kesha E. Howery is set to perform live with them on Wednesday, October 29, at the Sound Board in the MotorCity Casino Hotel.

“I’m very proud of the movie; it’s so funny and creepy,” Howery stated from Los Angeles, where he has lived for over a decade. He expressed his deep appreciation for Detroit, citing its vibrant energy as a perfect backdrop for filming. He shared that the production team managed to complete the project in just 18 days, showcasing the efficiency and talent involved.

Currently, Howery is working on securing a wider distribution deal for “Haunted Heist.” He acknowledged that distribution can be a lengthy process but is optimistic about bringing the film to more theaters.

Howery’s journey in comedy began in high school, where he wrote jokes for a talent show. Influenced by the likes of Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, he transitioned into stand-up comedy in Chicago. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with fellow comedians in film, stating, “I would like to see comedians working together more outside of just stand-up.”

He criticized the industry’s trend of casting comedic actors rather than stand-ups. For Howery, it is essential to utilize the unique comedic timing and insights that stand-up comedians possess, which he believes could enhance film and television productions.

Over the years, Howery has built a diverse career. He gained national attention as a contestant on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in January 2007. His subsequent roles included appearances in the revival of “In Living Color” and leading parts in TruTV’s “Friends of the People” and NBC’s “The Carmichael Show.” His Netflix special, “Kevin Hart Presents Lil Rel: RELeveent,” premiered in early 2016 and garnered significant acclaim.

In addition to “Haunted Heist,” Howery co-stars in the holiday comedy “Unexpected Christmas,” set to release on November 7, and the animated film “Animal Friends,” slated for next May. He is also transitioning into dramatic roles, notably in the upcoming film “The Bench,” where he portrays a homeless war veteran. Howery describes this opportunity as “my award movie,” highlighting his commitment to exploring diverse characters.

He remarked on the challenges and intensity of taking on darker roles, saying, “I really 100 percent become the character, and it’s intense.” Howery aims to continue pushing his boundaries while ensuring that comedy remains at the forefront of his work.

Lil Rel Howery’s performance at the Sound Board is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, at the MotorCity Casino Hotel, located at 2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit. For more information, tickets can be purchased through (800) 745-3000 or on the venue’s website.