[Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The Monkey]
Key Insights from Rohan Campbell on His Latest Horror Roles
- Collider’s Perri Nemiroff engages in a riveting conversation with The Monkey‘s Rohan Campbell, shedding light on his career.
- In this insightful interview, Campbell elaborates on his unique interpretation of the renowned Stephen King short story and his collaborative efforts with Oz Perkins to bring this adaptation to life.
- Campbell shares anecdotes about his cameo in Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” music video, the valuable lessons he gleaned from Halloween Ends, and his aspirations to join a future horror franchise.
Shortly after his role in Hulu’s The Hardy Boys, Rohan Campbell made a striking debut in the iconic franchise as the outraged Corey Cunningham in Halloween Ends. It turns out, his passion for horror is profound, as he openly admits to being “entirely enamored and in love with horror,” making his casting in Osgood Perkins‘ latest film, The Monkey, a perfect fit.
Adapted from the chilling Stephen King short story, The Monkey features Theo James portraying twins Hal and Bill, who are tormented by the deadly repercussions of a cursed toy monkey. This eerie entity’s wrath knows no bounds, threatening the lives of characters played by Campbell, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and many more.
Before the film’s release, Collider’s Perri Nemiroff had the chance to speak with Campbell about his experiences on set. He passionately discusses his love for the horror genre, the insights he gained from Halloween Ends that aided him in making The Monkey, and his dream role in a major horror franchise. Campbell also delves into the creative set design, the symbolism behind the monkey, and his intriguing involvement in a certain music video featuring Sabrina Carpenter. You can view their entire conversation in the video above or read the transcript below.
Rohan Campbell’s Aspirations: Which Horror Franchise Does He Want to Join Next?
From ‘Halloween Ends’ to ‘The Monkey,’ Campbell expresses his deep love for the horror genre.
PERRI NEMIROFF: Can you share something from your experience on the Halloween franchise that influenced your work on this film? Additionally, what is a horror filmmaking first you experienced while creating The Monkey?
ROHAN CAMPBELL: My experience on Halloween [Ends] helped me approach these sets with a sense of calm and confidence. It was intriguing because the movie Longlegs hadn’t been released yet, so I could enter the set feeling relaxed and prepared to perform. One notable first for me was during a death scene, which I prefer not to spoil, where I had to create a specific sound with my throat without relying on visual effects. It was an unusual challenge that pushed my boundaries as an actor.
While I don?t want to confine you to this genre, your passion for horror is evident. Can you share what?s on your horror movie-making bucket list? Perhaps a character you wish to portray, or a specific subgenre you want to explore?
CAMPBELL: My love for horror stems from its ability to generate some of the most fascinating and eccentric characters in film. Even legendary filmmakers like the Coen Brothers began their careers with horror shorts. For me, horror is where I feel at home, and I?m particularly excited about A24’s Crystal Lake project. I would jump at the chance to be part of anything related to Friday the 13th, but I?m also eager to collaborate with emerging artists to create original horror content that resonates with audiences.
Discover Rohan Campbell’s Surprising Appearances: A “Taste” of His Versatility
“Who knows how I ended up in that video?”
Was your passion for horror and your recent experience in Halloween Ends the reason you appeared in Sabrina Carpenter’s music video? I found that video delightful!
CAMPBELL: Absolutely! I’m just trying to embrace joy in my life. Given the current state of the world, I aim to have fun wherever I can. The opportunity to be in that music video came out of the blue; I received a call on Thursday and filmed on Saturday. I genuinely enjoyed working with such talented and hardworking individuals. So, how I ended up in that video remains a mystery, but it was a fantastic experience.
Your joy on set translates into an enjoyable viewing experience for us, the audience. Keep having fun with your work!
Related
Jenna Ortega’s Transformation in the New Sabrina Carpenter Video: An Artistic Tribute
The “Taste” music video beautifully references iconic cinema classics.
Let’s shift our focus to Oz Perkins. What do you think makes his films, including The Monkey, uniquely captivating in the world of cinema? Can you share any observations from the set that highlight his distinct style?
CAMPBELL: Working with Oz Perkins is a remarkable experience because he possesses a deep-rooted confidence and a unique vision that reverberates throughout his films. Although it may seem like his stunning visuals result from extensive preparation, he actually approaches each shot with a deliberate and intelligent mindset. His ability to lead from a place of joy infuses a childlike creativity into the process. This distinctive approach sets his films apart, creating a world that feels uniquely his own. Collaborating with him inspired me to embrace my creativity and make bold choices, as who wouldn’t want to explore the imaginative universe that Oz has created
