As a lifelong fan of Bruce Campbell, I can’t help but feel thrilled about his latest venture into the supernatural realm with Hysteria! Having grown up watching him vanquish evil forces as Ash Williams, it’s a treat to see him tackle a more grounded role amidst Happy Hollow’s gradual meltdown. The ’80s nostalgia in this series is like a fine wine – aged just right for our enjoyment.
Bruce Campbell isn’t convinced by supernatural phenomena, but remains undecided on extraterrestrial life. Though generally skeptical of the paranormal, the actor has spent more than four decades embodying an icon who banishes evil, and he’s set to tangle with the Devil once more in Peacock’s upcoming horror-comedy series titled: Hysteria!
Amidst the chaos of the Satanic Panic in the late 1980s, I found myself immersed in the small-town tale of Happy Hollow, Michigan, where odd and unsettling occurrences started to unfold following the mysterious disappearance of a popular high school quarterback. As the town spiraled into madness, I found myself right in the thick of it all, playing the role of Chief Dandridge, a rational cop who, like the talented actor behind him, remained skeptical of the hysteria and fear-mongering. According to creator, showrunner, and executive producer Matthew Scott Kane, “We didn’t bring Bruce on board to be Ash Williams.” Instead, everyone involved in the production was intentionally cast against type.
Recently, USA Insider had a chat with Campbell via Zoom to delve deeper into his significant role as one of the calm voices in the turbulent situation at Happy Hollow.
Bruce Campbell talks Hysteria!, UFOs, ’80s nostalgia, and the allure of Satan
What first attracted you to the show?
Bruce Campbell: A great character and well-crafted dialogue are truly the actor’s dream in today’s world. I can easily spot mediocre work nowadays, but this was different; it was refreshing to work with high-quality material because an actor is nothing without a solid script.
Why do you think the ’80s are experiencing a resurgence in popularity today? I’m curious about the factors driving this renewed interest in that particular era.
Every three decades, you can’t help but feel a sense of longing for the past – this is the way it goes in America. In the 1980s, people were reminiscing about the 1950s; in the 1950s, they likely looked back fondly on the 1920s. Hollywood only seems to have a storage box that’s 30 years old, so they keep revisiting the same box. For me, the ’80s weren’t something I felt nostalgic about – not in my experience. During that time, I was busy raising my young children, and there wasn’t anything particularly nostalgic about those days for me.
How did you approach the character of Chief Dandridge?
He shares my skepticism about such nonsense, as I too only believe when presented with tangible evidence. When it comes to the supernatural or Satanic phenomena, I remain unconvinced for now. I do believe in UFOs though, as I think I may have witnessed one, but that’s a different story altogether.
As a seasoned horror game enthusiast, I’d say this new title certainly has its own unique twist compared to what I’ve encountered before in the genre. It pushes boundaries and offers a fresh perspective that keeps me engaged and eager for more.
Horror manifests in numerous forms: From extreme violence and torture, to psychological terrors, physical revulsion, the classic slasher with a masked figure wielding a machete, and even tales of lunatics on the loose from asylums. This genre often leaves you questioning what’s real and what’s not, which is a good kind of horror as it challenges your perception, something my character must also confront – distinguishing between reality and illusion.
What about the Satanic Panic topic really fascinates you?
Back in the days of the moral majority’s rise, during the Reagan era with its ‘Just say no’ mantra, society seemed to be divided into clear-cut categories: good versus evil, angels versus devils. It was as if every individual had a label pinned on them. As a gamer who appreciates complexity and nuance in characters, I found myself drawn more towards the intriguing figure of Satan. After all, he was the one with depth, with layers to explore and understand. Playing an angel just didn’t seem as appealing compared to portraying the enigmatic Satan. It felt like a natural reaction to the oversimplified good-versus-evil narrative that was being pushed during those times.
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2024-10-15 19:16