Having joined my previously for a spotlight, I'm thrilled to welcome back actress Linnea Gregg to talk about her latest film "The Sudbury Devil" and other upcoming projects.
Me: Hello and thank you for returning to this! Since last we spoke, you have appeared in “The Sudbury Devil” as Patience Gavett. What can you tell us about the film?
Linnea Gregg: If you watched The VVitch and thought to yourself “Wow, I wish this movie were a LOT more graphic,” then this is the perfect film for you. The Sudbury Devil takes place in America just after King Philip’s War, when two witchfinders hear of strange happenings in the woods of Massachusetts and decide to investigate. What ensues is a fever dream filled with witchcraft, violence, and sex - sometimes all at once.
Me: What initially attracted you to the role? What were you most looking forward to bringing her to life?
LG: I got involved with this film because one of my dearest friends and favorite collaborators, Kendra Unique, was signed on to play the role of Flora. When our director Andy Rakich was looking for someone to fill the role of the other witch, Patience, Kendra recommended me to him for the part. After the initial audition, Andy sent along the script for me to read, and it truly is a testament to how well Kendra knows me because this is the exact type of character I love to play. Patience is the main antagonist of the film, and there isn’t much that didn’t draw me to her: she’s clever, filled with rage, and evil… or is she?
The most exciting part of bringing Patience to life was finding the balance between her humanity and the otherworldly forces within her. I’ve played similar roles, like Ginger in Sister Tempest, where the character turns out to be a full-throttle force of darkness. Patience was different, because it isn’t until the final act that she gives away her humanity to something greater.
Me: With the historical period piece setting of the film, did that add anything extra to the process that intrigued you? Did you have anything to grasp onto while filming in this condition to help center your mindset?
LG: The largest aspect of grounding this film historically, for all of the actors, was the accent work. We were all tasked with learning about King Philip’s War and the Sudbury Fight, but when it came to actual effort and character work on our part the most important factor was learning Original Pronunciation. This dialect is known as the grandfather of all English accents because it is where all of them have their roots. We had to get nice and comfortable with OP since that’s how most English speakers sounded in the 17th century! Once we were in the full swing of shooting, pretty much everyone was speaking in that accent all of the time.
Me: What was the set like while shooting the film? How did the cast and crew react to the type of film being made?
LG: We experienced an odd sort of devilry with this film, specifically from the elements. The shoot took place during April in rural Massachusetts, and we saw rainy days, warm and sunny days, nights below freezing, and even some hail and snow flurries at a few points. The shifting climate presented challenges, but overall everyone was really excited to be there every day. Kendra and I are very close, and the male actors are all longtime friends, so there was a strong sense of kinship and support the entire time, which lent itself to some beautiful creativity. The whole process was very fun and collaborative.
Me: With it coming out, what are you most looking forward to for others to get to see it?
LG: We held our premiere of the film this past September at the Satanic Temple in Salem, Massachusetts. That was an unforgettable experience. From there, the film went on to have a small theatrical run in various indie movie theaters and arthouses across the country, before its virtual release in December. One of the best parts of the theatrical run was hearing about all of the strong reactions to the film. A lot of people loved it, but some were very put off by it. I don’t think we had a single showing where at least one person didn’t walk out.
Me: As well, you’re also in the upcoming “Bishop’s Cove“as Rose. What can you reveal about the film and your character?
LG: Bishop’s Cove is a tale that takes a lot of turns, and Rose is one of those fun side characters who has a deep lore that you only receive bits and pieces of in the mix of everything else. She’s kind of like a cinematic park and bark - and I can tell you that in the ever-expanding CL Squared Productions universe, this is not the last you will see of her!
Me: Having worked with director Charles D. Lincoln on the series ‘21st Century Demon Hunter,’ did that help to make you more comfortable not just with him but the rest of his stock group of actors and actresses?
LG: Absolutely! Returning to work with any director means you understand the type of set you can expect to find when you show up, and that there is an established level of trust with them and any of the other performers who are also reappearing. That trust is essential for some of the best and most rewarding creative work you can make, and Charles is outstanding at forming and nurturing his circles of cast and crew members.
Me: Do you recall having any odd or funny on-set stories about yourself or any of the other cast/crew members?
LG: The production of Bishop’s Cove spanned a good amount of time, and it was both the last thing I worked on before certain striking world events occurred and the first thing I worked on coming out of them. I think I arrived back in the city after spending four unplanned months in my hometown (which is about a ten-hour plane ride away, by the way), either the night before or the morning of filming one of my most significant scenes as Rose. There was nothing like showing up to St. Mark’s at 7am and high-fiving Charles just like, annnnd we’re back!
Me: What else are you working on that you'd like to share with our readers?
LG: Charles has something cooking like he always does, and this next one is called Luna and Persia Go to Atlantic City. He hasn’t announced my character to the public yet, so I’ll leave that a mystery for now. But she’s quite different from Rose!
Me: Lastly, being that this is our Women in Horror Movement, what special message do you have for any women out there looking to join in the industry in any capacity as you are one yourself? Thank you again for your time!
LG: I believe last time I said something along the lines of “just go for it!” While I stand by that, what I’ll add is: horror is such a rich genre for women. A lot of the roles and opportunities in other genres lack layers and agency, and I think in horror across the board you will find characters who are a lot more interesting and refreshingly empowered. There’s a reason it’s called The Final Girl, after all. Thanks for having me back!
To check out The Sudbury Devil before it hits streaming, check it out on its website:
This interview ran as part of our 2024 Women in Horror Movement celebrations! Click the banner below to check out our complete coverage:
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