IN CONVERSATION WITH AUSTIN NICHOLS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Austin Nichols plays Pastor Judah in the upcoming film ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’, which premiered on 18th July. He recently finished his directorial debut ‘The Salamander King’, which premiered at the Dallas Film Fesitval and appeared in the Netflix Studio film ‘The Six Triple Eight’.

You play Pastor Judah in the new ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ film. What drew you to this character, and how does he fit into the world of this horror franchise?

To be honest, there was a lot of secrecy around this movie, for obvious reasons. I read a script, and was excited about the role. This is a very beloved franchise, so just being considered is an honor. Pastor Judah is the spiritual leader of Southport and an ambitious man. Those two things, religion and ambition, can often make for something very interesting. So, I was salivating to dive into something meaty.

How does this version of ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ update or reinvent the classic slasher formula?

I think the director, Jennifer Katyin Robinson, had a very clear and specific vision from Day 1. She has been able to speak to a new generation of kids who may not know the original movie and also balance speaking to the fans from 1997. That's a big ask. And she has crushed it. There are easter eggs. There are sexy sweaty summer movie stars. And lots of blood. The violence and gore is going to be kicked up a notch, while remaining fun. It's the perfect mix for a fun summer slasher flick.

Without giving too much away, what can audiences expect from Pastor Judah, and the whole story of this film?

This is tough. I can't say much. The ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ police may knock on my door at any minute. When we were shooting in Australia, I think we all got in trouble for posting from the set. Pastor Judah cares very much for the kids and what they are going through. He wants to help them. He sees his church as a safe haven for anyone in need. But you are going to have to go to theatres to find out the rest.

What was the atmosphere like on set for a horror film like this? Any moments that genuinely creeped you out during production?

There was a lot of blood. A lot of fun weapons. It was gory AF. There was something very creepy that I'm obsessed with, but I can't give it away, sorry.

Congrats on your directorial debut ‘The Salamander King’. What inspired you to step behind the camera and direct this story?

Directing ‘The Salamander King’ has been a major highlight of my career. It is a love letter to my hometown and has a universal message. It's ultimately about a family trying to protect their home. But it's a comedy about a run-down public golf course and the hilarious characters that work there just want to protect what they love. I have always loved an underdog story and this one wedged itself into my heart and never left. I can't wait for audiences to see it.

How did premiering at the Dallas Film Festival feel for you, especially with it being your first time in the director’s chair?

It's terrifying to screen your movie the first time. You put every ounce of your being into something like this. And sometimes it doesn't work out. So when the credits rolled in Dallas, and the audience ripped up into applause, I wanted to cry. I was so overwhelmed. So many people did favors for us. So many people put their blood, sweat and tears into ‘The Salamander King’. It's been a great experience.

What was the biggest challenge transitioning from actor to director, and what surprised you most about the process?

It was definitely hard to sit behind the monitor during certain scenes. I wanted to jump in there with my actors. They were having so much fun. But I would say the toughest thing is waiting to get it out to the audience. Making it was divine. And waiting to get the next one made, that's hard. I want to go go go, keep making more. But the business doesn't move that fast. 

Now that you’ve directed your first film, do you see yourself balancing both acting and directing long-term?

I do. I hope to. I don't think I could let go of either one. But it's a whole new world now. I'm delighted to be doing something new and different. Directing is a different kind of challenge. I'm using muscles and parts of my brain that have been taking a long nap. It's fantastic.

You’ve appeared in everything from cult hits like ‘The Walking Dead’ to emotionally rich dramas like ‘This Close’ and ‘The Village’. How do you prepare for such varied characters?

That's so interesting cause I don't really think about the movies and shows as different. I guess I know that they are, but I don't spend a lot of time on that. I generally read the material as much as humanly possible and absorb the world, and just do my best to be a part of that world. And I put a lot of faith in the creators. If they think I fit in here, then I guess I do.

Do fans still recognize you most from ‘One Tree Hill’, or has ‘The Walking Dead’ overtaken that in terms of recognition?

I would say, more ‘One Tree Hill’. But ‘The Walking Dead’ is a juggernaut, and it is definitely trying to overtake. The funny thing is how many people watched and loved both. I never saw that coming.

Looking ahead, what is coming up next for you? More horror, more directing, or maybe something totally unexpected?

Well, there are a few things on the horizon. Of course, I'm not allowed to say anything, but keep your eyes peeled for an appearance on Season 7 of ‘Virgin River’. I'm sure to cause some problems.

CREDITS

photography JOHN RUSSO