Paul T. Taylor Discusses Taking on the Role of Pinhead in Hellraiser: Judgment
Jonathan Barkan
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There’s always a risk for actors to take on a role when it’s become an iconic character. Mads Mikkelsen proved his abilities when he took on Dr. Hannibal Lecter but the same couldn’t be said for Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates. It’s a gamble because horror fans are incredibly passionate and dedicated people who want to see horror movies done with care and justice, something that some remakes fail to offer. Personally, I feel like many fans might be a bit too hard on filmmakers but I 100% understand where their trepidation comes from. I’ve felt it myself many times. Still, I try to keep an open mind and let the final product speak for itself as often as possible.
That’s why I’m going to give Hellraiser: Judgment the benefit of the doubt, even though this will make the third portrayal of the infamous Cenobite Pinhead. Doug Bradley’s performance over multiple films is one of the reasons why that franchise remained so popular amongst fans. Then came Fred Tatasciore in Hellraiser: Revelations, a performance that was met with derision, scorn, and outright hostility. Hence why Paul T. Taylor, who is playing Pinhead in the forthcoming Hellraiser: Judgment, has some very understandable concerns when it comes to taking on the role of one of Hell’s most terrifying denizens.
In an interview with OpenTheTrunk, Taylor explains that he knew what was in store for him when he accepted this role. “If they see the film and they don’t like me as Pinhead, that’s their prerogative to spew hate, but really, every actor is different,” Taylor says. “As much as I’m going to try to do sort of an homage to Doug Bradley’s Pinhead and Hellraiser’s history, this is a new film and I’m a different actor. I can’t be Doug Bradley. Hopefully I bring myself to it and people like what they see. I just hope that I’m appreciated in the role for the work I did do.”
Interestingly, it seems that Taylor is convinced that should this film be successful that a direct sequel could be in the cards, something that hasn’t happened since the first two entries in the franchise. “…it is a new chapter. It’s an unexplored part of Hell, I would say, introducing some new characters and some new mechanisms behind where Pinhead and all of that comes from,” he explains. “And, it’s also a jumping off point for a sequel following this one that could continue the story that it tells because it’s a true “Hellraiser” script with a beginning, a middle, and a sort of ambiguous end. And these new characters they introduced could be in future “Hellraiser” films.”
If such a sequel were to happen, Taylor is adamant that he’d want to return to the role. “I would love to play Pinhead again. This opportunity came along and it was totally unexpected. Here I am suddenly portraying my favorite horror icon of all time. I’ve been working as a professional actor for 35 years. It’s not like it’s an overnight thing. I earned it in a way, but it was still a surprise!” he exclaimed.
The full interview can be read at the link above and it’s well worth diving into. If nothing else, it gave me a sense that Taylor really does care about this role and wants to do it right by the fans.
Last we heard, Hellraiser: Judgment was supposed to be out March 28, 2017, though things have been silent since that announcement was made.
Hellraiser: Judgment stars Damon Carney, John Gulagher, Diane Goldner, Mike Jay Regan, Andi Powers, Jeff Fenter, Heather Langenkamp, and Paul T. Taylor as Pinhead.
Synopsis:
Detectives Sean and David Carter are on the case to find a gruesome serial killer terrorizing the city. Joining forces with Detective Christine Egerton, they dig deeper into a spiraling maze of horror that may not be of this world. Could the judgement awaiting the killer’s victims also be waiting for Sean?
Categorized:News
