Interview: Hellraiser: Judgment star Paul T. Taylor drops by 1428 Elm
By Aaron Posey
via Dimension Films
Back in November the horror news wires were lit up when director Gary Tunnicliffe made a statement about a specific part in the film to which some interpreted to mean as animal torture. He has since clarified but it is still mentioned in some stories. Can we once and for all clear this up straight from the mouth of Pinhead?
Ha ha! THAT was hilarious. It’s a Hellraiser movie folks! Believe me, worse things have been done to animals in movies. But I understand how people feel about violence toward animals. I’m not poo-pooing that. The dog they used in the film was unharmed (of course!) and the character of the dog in the movie is also unharmed. Perhaps a bit shaken up, but perfectly fine. It’s all part of a serial killer’s delicious sense of humor.
What can fans of the franchise expect in this newest installment? How do you think it will stack up against the other films in the series?
What Judgment has going for it, among other things, is that it was written and directed by an expert in Clive Barker/Hellraiser canon. Gary knows his Hellraiser and this film was written to be a Hellraiser movie, unlike a few of the sequels. Fans can expect some new Cenobites and some new demons, or are they angels? Hmmm…
Another thing this one has going for it is it actually gives Pinhead a character arc. Things happen to him, as opposed to him just showing up and doing his job. I think it’s a very interesting script and advances the story to the possibility of a true sequel, introducing characters that can live on in the Hellraiser world. A good Hellraiser is only as good as its story, and this one is very good.
Pinhead is obviously the most well-known Cenobite but he is always accompanied by others and they have changed throughout the series. What kind of new Cenobites can fans expect to see in Hellraiser: Judgment?
There are a bunch of new characters, but I’m not clear whether they are Cenobites or demons, servants or slaves. They seem to be the same thing, but these new characters have names like The Auditor, The Cleaner, The Jury, etc. It’s all part of the new ideas Gary has come up with, all part of the processing of souls in the quest to gather as many as possible to increase the population of Hell. In this way, the movie has two stories going on that intersect, that of the serial killer (terrible human) and that of Hell’s inner-workings.
The character of Pinhead has scared countless audiences for over 30 years, but as Pinhead we want to know what one film that has terrified you personally?
The Exorcist.
via Dimension Films
Do you have any other projects you are currently working on that fans can look forward to?
I have a cameo in a film called Sick For Toys, coming out next Christmas season. And I’m attached to a couple of movies that are currently in pre-production. In one, I’m either a super baddie demon or a lawyer who goes to Hell and works his way up the corporate ladder (I haven’t decided which role yet) and in the other, a cannibalistic clown. Fabulous.
Of all the roles and characters you have played do you have a specific favorite?
I’m including theatre in this answer, because that’s where most of my work takes place. I played Officer Lockstock in Urinetowne the Musical and it was the most fun I have ever had onstage. And I’ve played Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, which was a very close second. As far as film goes, I’ve gotta say Pinhead is my favorite so far.
And lastly where can fans connect with you, stalk you etc.?
My Facebook Fan Page, Twitter, Instagram and my website PaulTTaylor.com.
Next: Jason Goes to Hell director reveals Creighton Duke's backstory
So there you have it folks, straight from the mouth of the new Prince of Hell. I would like to extend a very special thanks to Paul T. Taylor for taking the time to sit down and talk with us. I personally cannot wait to check out Hellraiser: Judgment.
via Dimension Films
As a longtime fan of the series, I too, once was a strict Doug Bradley as Pinhead fan. But I am willing to give Paul and the team behind Judgment a chance and will keep an open mind. I hope other fans can do the same. I have a feeling that we as fans we will be pleasantly surprised with the new film and Paul as Pinhead.