INTERVIEW: ‘Werewolf Game’ honors the legacy of Tony Todd
Photo: Tony Todd stars in Werewolf Game, one of his final films. Photo courtesy of The Horror Collective / Provided with permission.
Tony Todd, the celebrated actor perhaps best remembered for his contributions to the horror genre, died in 2024, leaving behind an impressive legacy of scary and scarily good roles, most notably the title character in Candyman. One of his last films was Werewolf Game, a genre flick from The Horror Collective that’s directed by Cara Claymore and Jackie Payne. The movie can be enjoyed right now on digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play, among others.
It’s probably best to experience Werewolf Game without any previous knowledge about the characters and plot, but here’s what press notes indicate: It’s a story based on the popular party game where a group of strangers is thrust into a deadly contest of deception and survival, with Todd playing the pivotal character known as The Judge. Starring alongside him are Bai Ling (The Crow), Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager) and Lydia Hearst (Slayers).
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Claymore and Payne about the new horror movie. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can audiences expect from Werewolf Game?
PAYNE: Audiences can expect a thrilling mystery thriller taking them on a ride filled with adventure, dark comedy and horror.
How did the production go? With limited funds, did you work fast and be economical about your decisions?
PAYNE: Production was a triumph over incredible circumstances. Our cast and crew were phenomenal and came together to create miracles every day.
CLAYMORE: They truly went above and beyond; we even had actors stay on set after their scenes were wrapped just to give each other support. I was blown away daily by the passion and energy everyone brought every day.
How do you know a sequence will be scary? How do you build the tension when shooting, or does that come in the editing room?
PAYNE: I gauge everything by how I am personally being affected by it. Listening with my gut and immersing myself in the reality of the traumatic events.
CLAYMORE: I second that, and the same goes for the editing process. Jackie has an incredible skill of deeply connecting to the events of the scene and letting their intuition and fine-tuned eye inform the moment-to-moment unfolding (you’ll get to experience that with the director’s cut when it drops!). Basically, if it doesn’t give us chills, it’s not working.
What was it like working with Tony Todd?
PAYNE: Working with Tony was an absolute joy. He brought his entire heart and soul into the work and left nothing on the table. We had three days to cover an incredible amount of ground, but he was game for the journey and brought an incredible amount of enthusiasm to his work. We had dinner after filming and were excited about the prospects of the future of the film. His passing was heartbreaking, and we hope audiences see the passion he brought to one of his final performances.
CLAYMORE: It was a privilege, and I am so grateful for the time we had with him. His passion and enthusiasm were incredibly empowering and motivating to be around.
Does the streaming, on-demand model for distribution work well for indie horror?
PAYNE: Absolutely.
CLAYMORE: Anything can work if it’s an aligned, appropriate choice for the film and its team.
What’s next for you two?
PAYNE: We are hard at work on the director’s cut of Werewolf Game that will feature remastered 4K footage, sound, musical score, digital effects and a ground-up recut of the movie. We also have a new short film, Be Not Afraid, coming out later this year, an action/horror thrill ride that captures the classic demonic vibes of The Exorcist with the chaotic charm of the original Ghostbusters.
CLAYMORE: Look for Be Not Afraid online and in festivals!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Werewolf Game, directed by Cara Claymore and Jackie Payne, is now available on digital platforms and on demand from The Horror Collective. Click here for more information.
