Kevin Bacon Reveals Why He Hunts Demons and Makes Music in Prime Video’s Latest Horror Hit

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[This story contains spoilers from season one of The Bondsman.]

In the new horror series on Prime Video titled “The Bondsman“, Kevin Bacon‘s character Hub Halloran doesn’t seek much more than his peaceful days in the small town of Grantville, Georgia, which he spends mostly drinking beer.

In the new horror series on Prime Video called “The Bondsman“, Kevin Bacon plays a beer-drinking law enforcer named Hub Halloran who doesn’t want much more than a simple life in the small town of Grantville, Georgia.

Both sentences convey the same meaning, but the second one is simpler and easier to read for a wider audience.

In my perspective, Hub’s deepest yearnings boil down to four essential aspects: ensuring safety for my churchgoing mom, Kitty (Beth Grant); seeking reconciliation with an ex-wife I still cherish, Maryanne (Jennifer Nettles); earning the admiration of my teenage son, Cade (Maxwell Jenkins); and maintaining a hidden secret about a regrettable, albeit unintentionally tragic act of wrongdoing – a secret I hope will remain concealed for the duration of my life.

In the initial sequence of the darkly humorous and terrifying film, it’s revealed that an entity from another dimension observes humans in their most shameful mistakes, not for redemption of wrongdoings, but to mete out delayed punishment. This is precisely what happens to Hub when he tries to apprehend two fugitives who have eluded bail. Caught off-guard, they shoot him with a shotgun (his bulletproof vest sparing his life), and subsequently slit his throat with a knife. Yet, the fate of our hero, Hub, may not be completely sealed.

Following a day hidden within the shoddy walls of an inexpensive motel, the viewers discover that it’s none other than Satan who has been monitoring Hub. The devil resuscitates Hub, not out of kindness, but for a task he requires. This task involves capturing and returning demons who have escaped from hell (prisoners if you will), condemning them to their torment forever. In return for complying with the devil’s orders, Hub will merely continue living until his predetermined expiration date, and as punishment for his earthly sins, his soul will be sent back to hell. Refuse, and he faces immediate return to hell!

As a fervent admirer, I’d put it this way: “When I delve into the script and converse with others about it, I often find myself saying, ‘This story revolves around a character who dies and then returns to life. He discovers that he’s bound for hell and is now in service of the devil.’ People usually react, ‘What! You’re kidding, right?’ (Laughs heartily).

Bacon expresses that what drew him to the series was its unique concept, combining an outrageous premise with a story centered around a family struggling to stay united. He describes it as a tale about a man attempting to make amends for his past errors, which range from excessive pride and obstinacy to acts with real-life consequences that have left him tormented by inner demons, some of which appear visibly as hallucinations on walls or ceilings.

Despite the seriousness of it all, there’s an amusing aspect to it that I find quite enjoyable.

As an avid fan, I’d like to share that Erik Oleson, the mind behind “Bondsman,” revealed to THR that this series isn’t your typical horror fare about demons and the devil. Instead, he invites us to view it as a thrilling blend of various genres, a mash-up if you will, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes.

According to Oleson, the world seems to be careening towards a precipice. He aimed to create something entertaining to watch, enjoyable to produce, and exciting to write. An exceptional script penned by Grainger David served as the foundation for this project, with Blumhouse involved and Kevin Bacon expressing interest. And when Oleson heard about the prospect of collaborating with Blumhouse to have Kevin Bacon hunt demons, he enthusiastically replied, “Count me in!

In discussing the show, Oleson points out, “There are numerous series about demon hunting; there’s a plethora of films in this genre. However, what sets our show apart is the intriguing blend of genres – family drama, Appalachian mystery, country music narrative, and Kevin Bacon wielding chainsaws against demons. This diverse mix aims to provide an entertaining, fresh, and distinctive experience. You never know whether you’ll be rolling with laughter, jolting in fear, or exclaiming, ‘That was fun!’ while sharing the screen with a companion on the couch.

He goes on to say, “Honestly, this is what I feel like writing at the moment. I’ve tackled some serious topics in my past works, but current events are already heavy enough. I simply want to create something lighthearted and enjoyable.

For those typically cautious about horror due to their religious leanings, the film “The Bondsman” might unexpectedly offer some deeply emotional and spiritual scenes. According to its creator, there’s no need for viewers to question the presence of a higher power (even though it’s the devil, not a deity, who appears to mete out punishment to Hub).

Bacon describes his character by saying, ‘Hub often gives the impression of not being particularly religious.’ This aspect of Hub’s personality is significant because his mother, Kitty, is deeply spiritual and involved in the church. She was even expelled from one of her beloved churches due to Hub’s frequent disruptions during sermons. As a bail bondsman, he would attempt to locate people within the church for his work, causing chaos and eventually leading to their family being asked to leave.

He goes on to say, “I believe he isn’t strictly agnostic or against religion; instead, it seems that he has little interest in contemplating it. He’s the type of person who prefers to engage in activities such as playing guitar. ‘God doesn’t fit into my life. I need to catch this criminal. I have to apprehend him, I can’t deal with this on a Sunday.’ He avoids going to church. He prefers to relax, drink beer, and watch TV instead.

In scene seven, titled “Pyralis,” when all seems lost for Hub and his kin, with extinction looming over the world, there’s a poignant instance where Hub, Kitty, ex-wife Maryanne, and son Cade share a heartfelt hug, perhaps for the last time. Following this, they gather their musical instruments to perform a deeply emotional rendition of the spiritual hymn “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Could it be that even in the midst of chaos and despair, Hub yearns for redemption?

Bacon remarked, “That’s intriguing!” He was the only one who had brought up this particular aspect. Throughout the series, Hub’s character begins to grapple with his own skepticism regarding the existence of God. This development in his character is quite fascinating because, you see, if there’s a devil, then logically there must be a God. Otherwise, the concept doesn’t hold up. Thus, it seems that as the story progresses, Hub is increasingly questioning his disbelief in spiritual matters. Additionally, it appears he’s coming to terms with the need for redemption and forgiveness.

Music has consistently served as something everyone in this family can bond over, according to Bacon, who has a past. “Kitty, as I see it, was the one who started playing music, possibly teaching Hub or even his father we seldom mention, although he’s not present,” he explains. “Hub then passed on his musical passion to his son. With Maryanne, their connection is deeply rooted in music. So, the fact that we spontaneously burst into song at a crucial point in the narrative, it symbolizes the climax and the shift becoming particularly evident.

Since 1995, Kevin Bacon, a musician known for his work in The Bacon Brothers alongside his brother Michael, has been the one who came up with the song featured in that particular scene. He collaborated on this piece with Jennifer Nettles, the lead singer of Sugarland.

This tune is frequently reinterpreted by numerous artists from diverse musical genres, and Jennifer Nettles has added her own touch to it, shifting it towards a somber, minor-key feel. As he explains, ‘It’s a captivating twist because amidst the chaos surrounding this performance, it provides a moment of tranquility as performers pause and play in harmony. It’s a significant scene.’

As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the fresh tunes that Bacon and Nettles have crafted for The Bondsman. These two talented musicians put out an eight-track EP filled with primarily original country songs.

For Bacon, who’s known for his work in numerous horror movies and shows, it took something truly exceptional to captivate him for the role in “The Bondsman”. That unique factor he discovered was embodied in the character of Hub.

Listen, I’ve got no interest in the type of character who’s purely a hero without flaws,” Bacon clarifies. “I mean, I’m not built like that; I’m not that kind of person, correct? Not someone who would simply stroll into a bar and beat up everyone.

He expresses his preference for characters that are complex, with their own imperfections and shadows. To him, this depth is captivating. He prefers a hero who isn’t perfect but has layers of complexity.

The Bondsman is now streaming all eight episodes on Prime Video.

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2025-04-09 19:25