Madelaine Petsch, the 31-year-old actress known for her roles in The Strangers movie franchise and the teen drama Riverdale, recently shared her love for the horror genre in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Petsch, who plays Maya in The Strangers and Cheryl Blossom in Riverdale, expressed her fondness for horror films, stating that she enjoys watching all types of horror movies, even bad ones. She appreciates the thrill and excitement that the genre brings, highlighting that she can find something positive in any horror film she watches.
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During the interview, Petsch mentioned her preference for “great sophisticated” horror films like Climax by Gasper Noé and Weapons by Zach Cregger. She also revealed her love for shark movies and discussed her admiration for final girl characters in horror films. Petsch disclosed that her favourite final girl is Ripley from the classic 1979 science fiction horror movie, Alien, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver. This choice reflects her appreciation for strong and resilient female characters in the horror genre.
Petsch made her debut in The Strangers movie franchise in 2024’s The Strangers: Chapter 1 and reprised her role as Maya in the sequel, The Strangers: Chapter 2. The sequel follows Maya as she navigates the aftermath of a terrifying attack while still being hunted by masked killers. Petsch’s portrayal of Maya showcases her ability to embody fierce and courageous characters, a trait that she believes was honed through her experiences on the set of Riverdale.
Reflecting on her time filming intense scenes for The Strangers, Petsch shared that immersing herself in such challenging roles can be exhausting. She acknowledged the need to find effective ways to decompress after filming emotionally demanding scenes, mentioning her habit of laughing to dispel tension and anxiety. Additionally, she spoke about tackling a particularly daunting scene in the sequel that involved a wild boar attack, highlighting the mental preparation required to overcome doubts and fears while filming.
As Petsch continues to captivate audiences with her performances in The Strangers franchise and Riverdale, she remains dedicated to honing her craft as an actress. Her passion for the horror genre and her ability to embody complex characters indicate a promising future in the entertainment industry. With the success of The Strangers: Chapter 2 and the anticipation surrounding future instalments of the franchise, Petsch’s talent and versatility are sure to garner further acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
In conclusion, Madelaine Petsch’s candid revelations about her love for horror films and her experiences portraying strong female characters in the genre shed light on her versatile acting abilities and unwavering dedication to her craft. As she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, Petsch’s talent and passion for storytelling are poised to solidify her status as a prominent figure in the world of horror cinema.