Warwick Davis Recalls Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Intense’ Reaction To His Leprechaun Costume And Knowing She’d Be ‘A Big Star One Day’

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Prior to gaining fame as America’s beloved character in Friends, now available with a Max subscription, Jennifer Aniston had already gained experience in the entertainment industry by starring in a cult classic film. The movie in question is Leprechaun, a low-budget horror film from 1993 where she portrayed a character who faced off against a gold-crazed goblin, played by Warwick Davis. Interestingly, Davis suggested that some of the on-screen fear could have been genuine. Additionally, Davis also shared what made Aniston particularly noteworthy at that time.

Warwick Davis recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly during the inauguration of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando. During this occasion, he reflected on filming a ’90s horror movie that some might consider less than stellar but still enjoyable due to its campy charm. Davis recalled Jennifer Aniston’s astonishment when she first encountered him in full costume on set. As the star of ‘Willow’, Davis stated:

She was an exceptional actress, yet there were moments when the apparent fear on her face seemed genuine. I suspect it was real at times because the emotion appeared quite intense, given the makeup, props, and the scenario we were enacting. Wearing that costume with the long nails and all, pursuing her must have been quite terrifying for both of us.

In the role of the menacing Leprechaun, Davis was concealed beneath thick, grotesque prosthetics and extended, sharp claws, which he acknowledges was extremely taxing physically. Given his appearance in the movie, it’s not hard to imagine why Aniston or any of their fellow cast members might have been unsettled. Nonetheless, this gruesome look was crucial for achieving the film’s intended effect. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the horror-comedy hybrid managed to generate a box office revenue of $8.5 million on a meager budget of under $1 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

Indeed, it’s surprising that the character of a Leprechaun could have kickstarted the career of an actress who would later shine in one of television’s greatest sitcoms. However, Jennifer Aniston has jokingly criticized this film for being one of her less impressive roles, even going so far as to label it “embarrassing” in a 2021 interview with InStyle magazine. Still, Davis wasn’t taken aback when she secured the role that would prove life-changing: Rachel Green. He noticed something early on that others may have overlooked.

I recall Jennifer distinctly, as I mused, “She undeniably possesses an exceptional charm.” It was evident she would rise to prominence eventually. There was something captivating about her, her vibrant stage presence particularly stood out.

In an old farmhouse, Aniston was battling a demonic fairy, while Davis was already showcasing the charm that would make her a well-known figure in Hollywood. Contrary to some of the jokes made by the star of “We’re the Millers,” Mark Jones, the director of “Leprechaun,” revealed to EW in 2014 that Davis actually appreciated the movie and had been misrepresented in past reports about her feelings towards it.

Approximately thirty years after its release, Jones’ 1993 horror film has become a beloved campy cult classic and an intriguing footnote in the otherwise impressive career portfolio of the actress from The Morning Show. However, for Davis, this film is not merely horror reminiscence; it serves as a time capsule capturing two careers on contrasting paths, intersecting briefly for one peculiar, delightful, and slightly unsettling movie.

Besides Jennifer Aniston, not just any Leprechaun alum has achieved immense success; Warwick Davis stands out as a cinematic legend. Known for portraying an Ewok in Star Wars, starring in Willow and its Disney+ sequel, and playing a Hogwarts professor in the Harry Potter films, Davis’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. I am genuinely appreciative of his contributions, including the chilling manner he managed to scare Aniston and her colleagues on screen.

Check out Leprechaun for yourself by streaming it for free on Tubi.

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2025-05-24 18:37