The Horror Revolution: First off, what’s your favorite horror movie. What movie scared you the most?
Jeremy King: Favorite Horror movie would have to be Scare Package, followed by Scare Package 2 right? Actually, The Descent is one that comes to mind, it was just so well done. I am also pretty claustrophobic in tight spaces so I think that just brings that terror to another level.
THR: I was a huge fan of the original Scare Package and loved the sequel as well. What’s it like to star in your own horror movie franchise?
JK: It is an absolute joy. I have worked with Aaron Koontz, Cameron Burns and the Papersteet team since the beginning. The reception of the first film blew us all away, so to be able to get together on a second film was absolutely awesome. The biggest thing for me is seeing the messages that it brightened someone's day, helped them through a tough time, or just made them laugh. I grew up loving comedy and horror, so to be a part of that now is really special.
THR: How similar is your actual personality to Chad’s? Are you as big a fan of movies as he is?
JK: I think Chad and I definitely both love movies. Watching all different types of films is one of my greatest joys. I think Chad's encyclopedic knowledge of all things horror probably most closely Mirrors Director Aaron Koontz. You can ask him about any film and he can list the director, cast, location, 30 of his favorite shots, iconic moments, etc.etc.etc. It's unbelievable! I love Horror movies, but he really takes it to the next level and I think you can see that in all of his work.
THR: One of my favorite things about the horror genre is the love the fans have for their characters, even the ones who were in some terrible movie that happened twenty years ago. Have you had anybody recognize you on the street and be like, “Hey Chad!”?
JK: It's funny, but I think in general when I am Chad the energy is SO different, and I'm rocking the stache and uniform that people don't really recognize me outside of that. We were at the Telluride Horror Show literally leaving the screening of Scare Package and this big group came up to congratulate Aaron and Cameron about the film. After about 10 minutes of talking to one of them they asked me what I did on the film. I said, "I"m Rad Chad". They were like, "No you're not!" So I did a big goofy expression and they went, "Oooooh i can see it now!"
THR: Your delivery as Chad is outstanding, he’s the horror movie fan that we all know and love who is down for anything just because he loves movies so much. What kinds of formal training do you have as an actor, and what inspired you to take on the craft?
JK: I actually did my first play in 4th grade, and have just loved it ever since. For some reason I never took it really seriously until after college. In college I took acting classes, studied Shakespeare and did some Stand up comedy but I never really saw myself in this career. Maybe it's because society tells us that pursuing anything in the arts is just a hobby. After college I found myself working 70 hours a week in a company I founded and realized I needed acting in my life. Right around that time I found a great agent and went back to acting and improv classes. I have been lucky enough to still pursue the thing I love, do great projects and work with people I truly enjoy.
THR: Another film that you were in that we’ve reviewed, 100 Tears, could not be more different from your most recent turn in Scare Package 2. What was it like working with Marcus Koch, one of the gorefathers of American horror?
JK: Yeah, 100 Tears definitely has a darker vibe! I had a great time working with Marcus and Joe Davison on that one. That was filmed in Tampa, Fl which is where I grew up so I was good friends with a lot of people on that film before we even shot. When you work in a smaller market I think everyone just seems to be much more supportive of each other, and the community is more closely knit.
THR: If you could work with anyone in the industry, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
JK: Getting to work with Joe Bob Briggs on this series is already a great bucket list item completed for any fan of horror! There are so many directors and actors from all different genres that I would love to work with. Steven Spielberg would have to be #1 on my list. The first movie I ever really loved was E.T., I actually still have all of the trading cards! Then the Indiana Jones series, and basically everything he has touched since have been amazing. I've also been a big fan of Jon Favreau since Swingers and Kevin Smith ever since Clerks. From horror I think Jordan Peele has been doing really interesting work lately, and James wan! As far as actors, Tom Hanks just melts into any role he does. I also think it would be an absolute blast to work with Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn.
THR: Both of the Scare Package films are hilariously funny. Do you prefer your horror films with more comedy, or do you prefer more serious horror?
JK: I think the line that we get to walk in Scare Package is just so much fun. I have really enjoyed working with brilliant comedic actors like, Byron Brown (Sam), Hawn Tran (Hawn), and Graham Skipper (Dwight). I definitely get into the more serious horror too, but if I had to choose just one I personally would prefer the pure joy of getting to do comedy.
THR: If you could make a comedy remake of any horror movie ever made, what would it be and why?
JK: One of the movies that scared me the most when I saw it in the theater in 3rd grade was Aliens! That would be a lot of fun to remake as a comedy! I have also always wanted to do a comedy zombie movie! Shawn of the Dead is an absolute favorite of mine.
THR: Do you prefer to work in the horror genre? Are there any other genres of film that you like working in more?
JK: I have to say that horror has such an amazing community behind it and that has been one of the things I have enjoyed the most. I love all of the different genres though because you get to reach people's emotions in totally different ways.
THR: What’s next for you? Anything interesting coming soon? And any plans for a Scare Package three-quel?
JK: I would LOVE more than anything to do a third Scare Package! So if you're reading this, reach out to @shudder and let them know! I have a few projects that I filmed this past year, but haven't gotten any release dates yet so hopefully I'll have more info soon!
THR: Finally, if you were stuck on a deserted island but had all of your human needs taken care of, what two items would you bring with you?
JK: A Roku TV with a Shudder subscription and copious amounts of steak!
