Interview: Lance Reddick (Monster Party)

Actor Lance Reddick has starred in everything from HBO’s “OZ” written by Tom Fontana, “John Wick”, “Jonah Hex”, “Intelligence”, “Lost” and more. He has starred in over seventy films and television shows. He is beyond talented. Lance took time to speak with Horrornews.net about his new film, “Monster Party”, directed by Chris von Hoffman and starring Julian McMahon, Robin Tunney, Sam Strike, Brandon Michael Hall and Virginia Gardner. Lance portrays Milo. This film is one of those movies that you will never ever expect what happens to even remotely happen. It is unique and different.

(Just note: I was sitting in the parking lot at the gym and it was an honor to speak with Lance Reddick. He is one of my favorite actors. He puts so much into a performance.)

Hi Lance, How are you?

Lance- Hi Janel. I am good. Thank you.

I have absolutely loved the work you do since “OZ” so it is an honor to talk with you today and thank you.

Lance- Oh, Thank you.

First off, how did you get involved with “Monster Party?”

Lance- I already knew Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, one of the executive produces and one of my manager’s partners in the firm represents Chris so I think that is how my name came up. It’s interesting because reading the original script my character was supposed to be seventy years old. He is supposed to be kind of a wizard older man. But, somehow my name came up and Chris hooked on to it and said you know wow that is a good idea and I would like you to play the role. So then I read the script and I loved it. I looked at the role and I said, I don’t get to play roles like this and yeah I want to do it so that is pretty much how it happened.

I think Milo is trying really hard and not to give spoilers away. I was hoping that would not happen. But, did you feel when you have the speech in the beginning that they were not listening at all? The speech at the dinner table towards the beginning.

Lance- Which I think was great. I think he resents Milo. I don’t think so.  I think he does believe he can save these people and here is the reason why I think that. Because for him I don’t think it’s really about saving these people. It is about, because he is an extreme psychopath like everybody else. It is about his ego and being able to control these people.

I agree. Yes!

Lance- He believes he can control and manipulate these people and not act on these urges. He is an egomaniac.

I know Chris wrote and directed “Monster Party” but it does make you wonder where this came from. It also sort of makes you want to stay out of certain people’s houses.

Lance (Laughter from both of us)

Now, I am thinking about a sequel because of the way it ended. I know it did not go well for you sadly. But, in any way possible would you come back at all?

Lance- Sure, I love working with Chris. I think he is a great writer and clearly from the way the film turned out he is a pretty darn good director. I was really pleased when I saw it. If Chris asked me to do that I would do it. So, yeah I would do that and also I think a prequel would be an interesting story given that most of the people died.

Yes, I think so too. It would be interesting to see how this all started. And the brother seemed completely off. You just did not expect any of this.

Lance- I think that Alexis, I am not sure Alexis knows what she is. She is one of those people that you want to know more about. Clearly she is able to cope being part of this family. I am not even talking about the monster, I am talking about the other brother who is a monster, Kian’s character Elliot

Yes, Elliot. He seemed super obvious yet subtle. You just kind of get that dude is up to something vibes. You come in and you are so dynamic and Julian is the father and Robin is the mom. You just did not expect this.

Lance- Yeah, I agree. So you get that Kian is an asshole from the moment he comes onscreen.

YES!

Lance- (Laughter again from both of us) but you just think he is an asshole. He is rich, spoiled f*ck. But, you don’t think he is going to be chopping people up.

Exactly!

Lance- Yes.

Now, may I ask what are you working on next and will you be appearing in “John Wick: Chapter 3?”

Lance- Yes, I am going to be in “John Wick 3.” I think they are still shooting but I shot most of my stuff this summer. I honestly don’t know if I am allowed to say the next thing I am doing.

Any possibility of returning to “American Horror Story” at all?

Lance- Not so far. I mean what you saw but you know I never thought I was going to come back. With those guys you never know. I never thought I was going to come back…. Ever! So you never know. I don’t know but I can tell you what else I’ve got coming out over the next year. Of course, there is “John Wick 3” the next season of “Bosch” which we are just about finishing. We will be wrapped by the end of next month. “Angel Has Fallen” was a lot of fun. It was crazy, as the head of the secret service. Then season two of “Corporate” is coming out some time next year.

I am so excited. All great projects and “Bosch.” I am so excited.

Lance- Oh this season. This is the season. It is a good season.

Now what would you like to say to the audiences that will be watching “Monster Party?”

Lance- Be prepared for a wild ride and make sure you go to the bathroom before you start.

That is good advice. I think you did such an amazing job and Milo was such a cool character. I thank you so much. And thank you for being in “OZ” still one of the greatest characters and one of the best shows. You are amazing!

Lance- Thank you. I really appreciate it. Oh that was my big break. I was so grateful for that opportunity.

Thank you and take care.

Lance- Take care Janel

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FOLLOW LANCE ON TWITTER @LANCEREDDICK