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[This is a press release]
Oliver Robins, beloved for his iconic role as Robbie Freeling in Steven Spielberg’s Poltergeist (1982) and Poltergeist II (1986), is embarking on an exciting new chapter as a children’s author. Publishing October 1, 2025, “Sunset Scares” marks the USC film graduate’s debut in children’s literature, bringing his decades of filmmaking experience to the page for the first time alongside co-author Dustin Warburton, an award-winning writer whose work has been featured on The Tonight Show, Oprah, and in Time and People magazines.
The inspiration for Robins’ first children’s book came from an unexpected source: a horror convention where he encountered young fans aged 5 to 8. “These kids told me they weren’t afraid of ‘Poltergeist’ at all,” recalls Robins. “They thought it was fun and entertaining, but the ghosts didn’t scare them one bit. That got me thinking – what if old monsters from classic horror movies were no longer scary to newer audiences? What if they felt like they didn’t matter anymore?”
This revelation sparked a deeper reflection for the filmmaker-turned-author. “I realized there was a greater meaning here,” explains Robins. “When we get older, we might think we have no purpose, but we just have to find new purpose in our lives because we always have meaning, no matter how old we are.”
Warburton, known for his versatility in writing both horror films like “Spiders 3D” and “Black Asylum” and heartwarming children’s literature, proved to be the perfect collaborator for bringing this vision to life.
“Oliver’s insight about finding new purpose resonated deeply with me,” says Warburton, who has earned praise from celebrities including Barbara Eden and Paul Reubens for his collaborative approach. “His unique perspective as both a horror icon and filmmaker brought something special to this story.”
Together, Robins and Warburton have crafted “Sunset Scares,” which tells the story of three forgotten horror movie monsters who escape their retirement home for one last scare on Halloween night. When they encounter a lonely 10-year-old girl whose broken family needs saving, they discover that being understood and finding new purpose is far more powerful than being feared.
“This book is about finding family in unexpected places and learning that everyone, even monsters, just wants to belong,” says Robins, who has built a successful career as a filmmaker and screenwriter since his childhood acting days, including penning Hallmark Channel’s highest-rated June premiere.
Warburton’s experience in both horror and children’s literature, including recent collaborations with Tom Holland and John Amos, brings additional depth to the project. “Working with Oliver was incredibly rewarding,” notes Warburton. “His filmmaking background and my writing experience created a perfect synergy for this story.”
About Oliver Robins: Best known for his portrayal of Robbie Freeling in Poltergeist, Robins is a USC film graduate who has built a successful career as a filmmaker and screenwriter. “Sunset Scares” marks his debut as a children’s author.
About Dustin Warburton: An award-winning writer known for horror films and children’s books, Warburton has collaborated with numerous celebrities and earned recognition from major media outlets. His recent work with Barbara Eden was featured in PEOPLE magazine.
SUNSET SCARES BOOK TOUR DATES:
● Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Flintridge books, La Canada Flintridge, CA
● Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Emerald Knights Comic & Games,
Burbank, CA
● Friday, October 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM Harrison’s Comics and Pop Culture,
Salem, MA
● Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM Forbidden Planet, New York City
● Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM Book Ends, New Jersey
