Courtney Gains Says He Pulled a Fake Knife on Casting Director When Auditioning for “Children of the Corn” (Exclusive)

Courtney Gains, known for his iconic role as Malachai Boardman in the 1984 horror classic *Children of the Corn*, has shared insights into the unconventional methods he employed during his audition, a choice that ultimately proved pivotal for his acting career. At just 18, Gains took a significant risk by pulling a fake knife on his audition partner, an act that, while advised against by casting directors, garnered attention and led to him receiving a callback for the part.

Reflecting on the audition process, Gains recounted how he prepared by immersing himself in the character. Upon reading the film’s script, he felt a surge of confidence, convincing himself that he was the right fit for the role. He vividly remembers the atmosphere in the audition room, where he opted to sit cross-legged on the floor, adopting a meditative stance that conveyed determination and intensity. Gains declared, “I’m going to eat you for lunch. I’m getting this job,” mentally preparing himself to take on the competition.

While he did bring a fake knife to the audition, it was only at the moment of performance that he decided to use it. During the audition, he surprised Jeff Greenberg, who was reading with him, by brandishing the small prop knife. Gains noted that this bold move seemed to shift the room’s dynamics, catching the attention of the director and producer who observed the unexpected confidence displayed by the young actor. Despite this bold moment, Greenberg later stated that he had no recollection of the incident but acknowledged Gains’s talent.

Gains’s portrayal of Malachai became a defining moment in his career, with the character serving as a menacing second-in-command to the cult leader Isaac Chroner. The film centred around children and teenagers who worship a sinister entity known as He Who Walks Behind the Rows, and Gains’s performance left a lasting impression on audiences. Following the film’s release, he experienced overwhelming reactions from fans, particularly children, who recognised him and expressed their fear of his character by fleeing to their parents.

“Having such strong reactions as a first-time experience was quite overwhelming,” Gains explained. The surge in recognition transitioned him from obscurity to being a familiar face, evoking a sense of being in a ‘bubble’ that took time to adjust to. Notably, this experience highlighted for Gains the profound impact of cinema and its ability to affect audiences deeply.

Following his breakout role, Gains appeared in a range of films throughout the 1980s, including notable titles such as *Back to the Future*, *The ‘Burbs*, *Can’t Buy Me Love*, and *Memphis Belle*. Despite being frequently associated with *Children of the Corn*, Gains considers himself fortunate to have had a diverse acting career that included various genres and themes, resulting in films that resonated with viewers for different reasons.

As he reminisced about the lasting effects of his performances, he noted how some audiences shared transformative experiences related to his roles. For instance, he recalls receiving remarks from viewers who were inspired by the moral lessons or emotional weights of films like *Can’t Buy Me Love*, a 1987 film celebrating its 40th anniversary soon. Gains expressed a sense of pride in the way cinema can provoke thought and change in people’s lives.

Moving forward in his career, Gains has recently appeared in the indie horror sequel, *The Barn III*, which premiered at the Popcorn Frights film festival in August 2026. He plays the character Josh Harper, a part he describes as an exciting opportunity that builds upon the momentum of the previous films in the series.

Gains shared his enthusiasm about the project, stating that he felt confident in the filmmaking process and was optimistic about the film’s reception. He teased that fans of horror would not be disappointed, describing the film’s second act as filled with thrilling sequences and classic effects that hark back to traditional horror storytelling.

In summary, Courtney Gains’s journey from a bold audition choice to becoming an enduring figure in horror cinema illustrates the unpredictability and excitement of an acting career. As he embraces both his iconic past and new creative ventures, Gains continues to showcase his passion for his craft and the power of storytelling through film.