Whedon said he wanted to honor the old style of scary movie, where the plot unfolds from the get-go.
"We weren't terribly interested in the very, very violent, sort of inventive, kill-people-you-don't-care-about movies. We like harking back a little bit to 'Halloween' and 'Nightmare on Elm Street,' movies with characters you cared about," Whedon said. "In those films, the kids weren't as expendable as they have become, and death and torture wasn't the point. Terrifying people was the point."
The basic premise of "The Cabin in the Woods" surrounds a group of young people going on a trip, and sure enough, bad things happen.
Those involved with the film hope to keep more specific plot twists a secret.
"Everyone's been really excited, I think because so many movies do tell you everything, that it's nice to even have the option to not have to do that," said actress Amy Acker, who plays character Lin in the film.
Whedon said he's happy to see that fans aren't spoiling the experience for those who haven't seen the film.
"The Internet community who has seen the film has gathered around to protect it, which is lovely. It means they didn't just enjoy it, they care about it, and that's the best testament," Whedon said.
"The Cabin in the Woods" is rated R.
