Nick Stahl is an actor with a diverse lineup of roles spanning across his 30-year career. At Carolina Fear Fest this year, I had a chance to talk with him about his past, present, and future work.

Emma Gilbert: I noticed you’re cast in something called What Josiah Saw that sounds really interesting, is there anything you can tell us about that?

Nick Stahl: Yeah, um, that is a movie that, hopefully, people will see. It’s kind of being submitted to film festivals and things like that right now. And it’s really good […] Horror has never been my go-to genre, [or] like, the thing that I’ve seen very much of, to be honest. But this thing is classified as a horror film, but I would say it’s more of, like, elevated horror. [There is] a lot of artistry to it. It’s kind of an art film disguised as a horror movie—but scary, genuinely scary, realistic, and good performances. Really, really, well-directed, so…that’s cool, no one’s asked me about that. I’m excited about it.

EG: That’s great, I’m glad to hear it! Alright, so, a long time ago you were in a movie called Bully, which probably could be considered a horror movie to many parents out there.

Stahl: Right.

EG: It’s like, a very intense, dark, bleak movie. Could you see yourself doing any movies similar to that in the future?

Stahl: Sure, sure. Y’know, um, it was just a strong story. […] Like I said, as far as horror movies go, y’know, I’ve never watched those, like, exclusively, [and] it’s never been at the top of my list. However, a strong story’s a strong story, regardless of genre. And so, [with] Bully, it was very evident just on the page, reading the script that it was just such a compelling story, y’know? And so, I would absolutely jump at an opportunity like that again.

EG: So, you’re in Fear the Walking Dead right now. How have you been enjoying that experience?

Stahl: It’s been great, yeah […] It’s been really fun, just to go to a, y’know, all new family, be the new guy, and be very welcomed by everybody. The whole cast and crew [are] just a really good group, y’know, and they have a good time. They work hard, but they have a good time doing it, and so, yeah. I’ve had a blast doing that show.

EG: That’s awesome! I’ve got one more…If you could star in, like, a remake of a classic horror movie who would you want it to be?

Stahl: Hmm…Wow…That’s a tough one. I would say—I was just tellin’ [the guy at the booth before me] The Shining’s my favorite horror movie of all time. I would say that, but man, I don’t know if they could remake that and do it justice.

EG: It’s very difficult.

Stahl: That would be very difficult. And I think they tried to do a show or something at one point.

EG: Yeah, it’s like, they try to make things again and people forget about it within a year, and you’re like, “oh, wait, that was a thing? Why?”

Stahl: Yeah […] That’s one of those [things where] I dunno if you could do it, but I guess I would have to say that, [it] being my favorite movie of all time, y’know.

It may have been short, as most of my interviews were, but I still really enjoyed this conversation with Mr. Stahl. I always love hearing actors’ perspectives on genre, what kinds of roles and stories pull them in, and their feelings towards the things they are working on. I definitely look forward to seeing Stahl in What Josiah Saw, as well as any other upcoming projects!

 

For more great interviews, check out:

Fantasia 2021: An Interview With Martyrs Lane Director/Screenwriter Ruth Platt

Fantasia 2021: An Interview With Director and Cast of When I Consume You

An Unquiet Interview With Christine Nyland and Terence Krey