**Jamie Lee Curtis Reveals Disinterest in Horror Genre Despite Iconic Role**
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Jamie Lee Curtis, renowned for her portrayal of Laurie Strode in the ‘Halloween’ franchise, recently shared unexpected sentiments regarding her feelings toward horror films during a panel discussion at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas. The celebrated actress, who first burst onto the screen in the iconic 1978 film, expressed her lack of enthusiasm for the genre that has largely defined her career.
Curtis, 67, has played the character of Laurie Strode across seven movies, cementing her status as the archetypal ‘final girl’ in slasher horror. While attending SXSW to promote her latest thriller, ‘Sender’, the Oscar-winning actress candidly remarked that she is not particularly fond of horror movies.

The conversation took a surprising turn as Curtis spoke to moderator H. Alan Scott from Newsweek and a captivated audience. “I’m going to be honest with you because I don’t really love it,” she admitted, acknowledging that her feelings might lead some fans to reconsider their attendance.

Despite her success in the horror realm, she clarified, “It’s fine. I’m fine. No, I’m not joking. I just am not into it.” This admission challenged the notion that every actor associated with a genre is inherently passionate about it. Curtis expanded on her perspective by stating, “Doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it. It’s not my genre. Do you know what I mean? It’s just not my thing.”
Instead of a love for horror, Curtis expressed an admiration for independent filmmaking, highlighting the creative processes behind productions. She pointed out that her new project ‘Sender’, shot in just 17 days—a timeframe reminiscent of the original ‘Halloween’—is an example of her passion for storytelling in a range of formats.
This focus on independent filmmaking has allowed Curtis to witness the evolution of the horror genre over recent years. “I’m interested in filmmaking,” she revealed. “The fact that it’s a genre that now is getting more understanding and appreciation, of course I’m happy.” She also spoke about the diversification of voices within the industry, acknowledging the growing recognition of women, people of colour, and various gender identities in filmmaking—a change Curtis sees as essential in combating the narrowing narrative encouraged by political rhetoric.
In an intriguing turn, Curtis discussed ‘Sender’, which centres around the character Julia, a woman beginning anew after losing her job. The gripping narrative follows Julia, who, just weeks into her fresh start as she navigates sobriety and online shopping, begins to receive mysterious packages that evoke her past, leading her into a spiral of paranoia.
The film’s synopsis highlights Julia’s struggle as she attempts to uncover the identity of her anonymous sender, prompting her to delve deeper into a psychological labyrinth that blurs the lines between reality and the unknown. The mounting tension reflects Curtis’s keen interest in storytelling that transcends simple genre categorisation.
While her relationship with the horror genre may be complex, Curtis’s contributions to film and her insights into the production process continue to be impactful. As the conversation around inclusivity and diversity in filmmaking grows, the Oscar winner remains a prominent voice advocating for broader representation in an industry that has long been dominated by narrow perspectives.
As Jamie Lee Curtis continues to navigate the intricacies of her multifaceted career, her honesty about her passions and preferences provides a refreshing reminder that actors, too, can have varied interests and opinions, even when they find themselves at the forefront of a specific genre. Her legacy as a scream queen may be enduring, but her openness about her artistic journey reveals her commitment to genuine storytelling, regardless of genre.
