- Terrifying Close Call: Madelaine Petsch, star of 'The Strangers: Chapter 1,' recounts a harrowing moment on set where she narrowly avoided being struck by a real ax during a particularly intense scene.
- Slasher Realness: The actress shared with Entertainment Weekly just how authentic the horror felt, revealing that the production used genuine props and weapons to amplify the fear.
- 'Just Don't Move': Petsch describes the chilling instruction she received from the director during the scene – simply, 'just don't move' – as the ax swung dangerously close to her head.
- Authenticity and Fear: The experience highlights the lengths the filmmakers went to in creating a truly terrifying and immersive slasher experience for audiences.
- 'The Strangers: Chapter 1' – A New Chapter of Horror: The film, a prequel to the original 'The Strangers,' aims to delve deeper into the origins of the mysterious and terrifying figures who terrorize a family in a remote rural setting.
'The Strangers: Chapter 1' promises a fresh take on the horror genre, and
Madelaine Petsch's account of a near-miss on set is a testament to the film's commitment to realism and intensity. The prequel, hitting theaters in 2024, explores the backstory of the Strangers, the masked figures who relentlessly stalk and terrorize unsuspecting victims.
During an interview with
Entertainment Weekly, Petsch detailed a particularly frightening scene that pushed the boundaries of on-set safety. The scene involved a menacing attacker wielding an ax, and to enhance the authenticity, the production team opted for a real, albeit blunted, weapon. As the scene unfolded, the ax swung with alarming proximity to Petsch's character, requiring her to remain completely still and motionless.
“It was so scary,” Petsch admitted. “I remember the director just said, ‘Just don’t move.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, don’t move.’ It was just… intense.” The actress expressed disbelief at how close she came to starring in a genuinely terrifying
slasher film where a real weapon almost made contact. This revelation underscores the dedication of the filmmakers to creating a visceral and unsettling viewing experience.
The use of real props and weapons, while undeniably effective in generating fear, also raises questions about safety protocols on set. 'The Strangers: Chapter 1' clearly prioritized a sense of realism, and Petsch’s story serves as a compelling reminder of the inherent risks involved in portraying extreme horror on screen. Audiences can expect a more immersive and terrifying experience than ever before as the film unravels the chilling origins of the Strangers and their reign of terror.
