Alexa Blair Robertson Talks Terrifier 3, Playing Mia & Behind-the-Scenes Secrets!

[00:00:10] Alexa, thank you for joining me today on Pop Culture Unplugged. Of course, thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here. Congrats on Terrifier 3. I mean, everybody's talking about it. If you go on these like reddits and forums and Facebook posts, they love this movie. Absolutely. It's been a joy to join this franchise and to see just how like ravenous and excited the fan base is. It was really cool to come into it at this time when it seems like everyone's in a frenzy. It's really cool.

[00:00:35] Yeah, we're gonna jump into the movie in a few minutes, too. But I wanted to you know, like I like to talk about people's careers also how they got into the industry. And I was doing research on you, you know, you had a fascinating journey so far, you know, what inspired you to get into acting? I know you've done a little bit of everything dancing, acting like what pushed you? You know, I think part of it was just being born a kid with a big personality. I was never exactly shy and I loved any chance to perform.

[00:01:00] Naturally, I gravitated towards dance and movement when I was a child, which didn't, which then translated into like a theater stint, which then translated to my love for being on camera and film. And I've just kind of tried to move through life organically and really embrace whatever the universe sent to me at the time. So from competitive dance to professional dance to now being, you know, in theaters, it's just been a really awesome journey and I embrace it all. I love it all. I know. Are you still part of the New York Knicks thing that you do the dance?

[00:01:29] Or not anymore. That was that was my first year postgrad. I was blessed to have like kind of my first professional straight out of college. I was in New York City for a year doing that with the Knicks, which was a fantastic opportunity. And I loved every moment of it. It's amazing. A lot, you know, alongside with the acting and, you know, the dancing and everything like how would how do you think that that has experienced you? Like how has it shaped your career so far?

[00:01:54] I mean, part of it, I think being a dancer and being like a physical performer performer first, I, I believe a lot of dancers are very disciplined. Inherently, I am enticed by challenge. I am very much a perfectionist. And I would like to think that I would I rise to the occasion and I rise to the challenge. So when presented with a role like my role in Terrifier, I was like, this is crazy. And I have no idea how we're going to do this. But I'm so ready for it. Like, I like to give my all and I like to be totally immersed in my roles.

[00:02:23] And I definitely feel like my dance background gives me a leg up when it comes to any staging and things like that, because it's just choreography and it comes naturally. So I'm very thankful for my dance training and for who it's made me be today. Looking ahead now, like you mentioned the roles before, do you have like a dream role that you want to like your hands on someday? I know there's probably a few of them. For sure.

[00:02:46] For me, like Julianne Hough, anything that she's done in her career, just I admire her just drive in everything. She never let go of her dance background, which for me is something I don't want to let go of anything. I want to embrace both my passions with more fervor. So like her roles in Footloose, that was like watching her on the screen in that one. I was like, yes, like that to me is a pinnacle role where it's kind of a combination of all of her passions. So for me, that would be a dream role for sure.

[00:03:14] Anything that combined both dance and acting. I mentioned earlier, I did some like I said, I was doing some research on you and everything. I noticed like I read somewhere, you know, you overcome a lot of challenges in your life. You know, you battled cancer, but you were younger. How do you think like those experiences have shaped you the way you approach now, like career goals? Totally. I mean, I think since I was young, I've been kind of aware of life's fragility and I try to live every day as if it's my last.

[00:03:40] I really do try to give my all into whatever I'm doing at that moment, whether it's dance or act or school. I've always just kind of been pedal to the metal. And I really do think that my challenges as a child and my medical conditions kind of made me like to embrace challenge, but also make me work very hard because I know how quickly things can go away. So for me, I just, I think it makes me really savor any opportunity that comes my way. And I'm just excited by everything, you know? What's the future? What's the goal?

[00:04:09] What do you want to accomplish someday? Do you have a good bucket list of... I have a lot of goals in this life and I think that I've been pretty blessed to already accomplish some things that were on that, you know, dream board of mine that I've had since I was a kid. But for me right now, this past year was really focused on developing my skill set as an actress. And this upcoming year, I already have some dance opportunities coming my way. So I'm really excited to be performing live again. That's something that I really love and I want to embrace.

[00:04:37] But I would say, yeah, performing back up with a major artist would be a huge goal of mine. And also just, again, landing a role that would allow me to embrace both my like dance and acting side of myself would be the ultimate dream. So anybody out there listening, I'm ready. Now you've done TV and film. What do you like the most out of each one? Or like, what do you write? Like if you had the choice, what would you jump on first?

[00:05:03] You know, I'm really, really enticed by the idea of getting to sit and develop a character alongside myself as a human. So I think something that would really, really challenge and excite me would be a long term television role, something that I was able to really dive and immerse myself into the character. Because as much as I absolutely adore movie and theater and film, I want to be able to develop a character over time, you know, not just like a two week stand here and there.

[00:05:31] I really want to get in the thick of it and kind of merge myself for a longer period of time. So that's kind of my long term goal, I guess. Amazing. So let's so let's jump into Terrifier then. How did that opportunity come up for you to play Mia? Like, like what drew you to the project? Was it an audition? Was it somebody you knew like, hey, we might have a part for you. We want you to come and audition. Like, how did that happen? Not a bit organically. Like I said, like a lot of news in life.

[00:05:58] Or the end there, it came up, it came to my inbox via my agents, just a typical self tape. Yeah. I was intrigued by the storyline. It had, of course, a big, this is a gruesome part, like might require some insane prosthetic work and things like that was a big like label on the audition. And they were like, you know, if you accept it, you have to be okay with that. And I'm like, you know what, like, I love horror. I would love to have that chance. So I just put my best foot forward. And then one thing led to another, you know, you get a couple auditions in, like giving you more scenes.

[00:06:27] I'm doing, I'm reading with partners and things like that all over. It was all virtual. And eventually when I got to like the final round, I asked a friend of mine who I know is a major like horror lover. And I was like, hey, you heard of this guy, Damien? Have you heard of Terrifier? And he freaked out. He was like, Damien, my idol, like I am obsessed with Terrifier. Get it. You have to get this role. It's amazing. So I definitely think that kind of lit a fire under me just to see like how ardently this friend of mine loved the franchise.

[00:06:54] So I was just really enjoying something that has so much love out there for it. So, you know, we see Mia, you know, she's like obsessed with like, first of all, she's obsessed with, you know, Art the Clown. But at the same time, you know, she's a true crime podcaster. Like what kind of research did you do to like jump into this character? Well, I have definitely listened to my fair share of like horror podcasts growing up reading horror story books was actually a huge past time of mine started like second grade. I'd bring home the creepiest books from the library.

[00:07:24] And but more so I've always really loved the Saw series and was definitely inspired by the performances specifically in the first Saw movie. That was the first horror film that I ever watched. And I definitely revisited those iconic scenes just to really get a taste of like genuine horror and body gore and things like that, because I have just never stepped into that space before. So I would definitely say that I tried to watch performances that I admire in that realm because it was just new.

[00:07:54] But ultimately, it was just really exciting to bring that part of myself out on camera. And it's definitely helpful having, you know, the chainsaw, the water, the blood kind of brings it out of you, you know. So, yeah, it was a super exciting experience. Did you find it easy then like portraying like some of those scenes where, you know, she's like she's curious, you know, she goes to like these dark actions, like dark scenes. Like, did you find that easy for you since you did that kind of research? Yeah, for sure.

[00:08:20] I mean, as a passionate person, I completely understand and relate to like she was hooked. She just couldn't help herself. She was at times she rub people the wrong way, obviously, like interaction with Sienna. And it's not always, you know, she doesn't always go about it in the best way. But at the at the end of the day, she's very passionate about something. And I can relate to that part of her and knowing like it's not stopping at no end to like satisfy that itch, you know. So I feel like I was able to see a little bit of myself in her in that way.

[00:08:49] When you're reading the script, like what went through your mind after, especially like where I'm going with this is the shower scene. But but like when you were reading the script, like what was going through your mind? Well, first and foremost, my jaw was just on the ground. I was like, wait, this nice man that I just spoke with over Zoom wrote this like what the heck, you know, because Damien's like the nicest guy ever. I couldn't believe that he created something so twisted. And I again, like I said earlier, I was just like, and how do we translate this? And we're doing this without CGI like this is just us.

[00:09:19] So again, I was shocked and kind of like, what the heck. But then I was also really inspired to be like, oh, yeah, we are diving in. This is going to be mind, body, spirit situation. Like it's going to be a labor of love on my end. And also being able to work with so many creatives on behind the camera who helped make those epic kind of scenes come to life. I it was just an epic experience and definitely one of those experiences that I will reflect and bring up for the rest of my career. I learned so, so much.

[00:09:49] And again, just grateful, honestly. I mean, people are talking about that shower scene. It's like they might be one of the best kills ever in a horror movie. You know, I I anytime I read any kind of, you know, comparison or support that scene, I again, gratitude and also just like, I never saw it coming. You know, when when that first email came into my inbox, I could have never guessed just how iconic this scene would become.

[00:10:18] I love the idea of kind of setting a new staple or like bar for a shower that scene. It's a pretty cool feeling to feel like in the future, that might be something that people, you know, compare and use as like a metric, you know? What was the experience filming that scene? And what do you think was like the most challenging part for you? You know, it was very intense. Like, I will not lie. That was one of those situations where I felt myself growing and, you know, there's always growing pains. It's not always the easiest experience.

[00:10:48] We shot that death scene over the course of like a four or five day period. It was the middle of winter in Long Island. So it was very, very cold. So with the water and, you know, all the different elements, it physically was definitely a challenge just in dealing with discomfort in that way.

[00:11:06] But it also was very intense as in going to that headspace continually over four days of just like complete fight or flight and natural adrenaline and like, you know, the emotions that come with true terror. I felt it. It took it out of me, you know, like I definitely like the week after filming, I just had to like really recoup myself energetically.

[00:11:28] And I actually I always tell this, but I'm like, I ended up getting there was so much blood going on that I ended up getting like a double ear infection after so much blood and stuff was happening. So but and while that was like, you know, not so fun, it really I felt like at the end of the day, I was like, I gave that my all like my voice is gone. My body is shot like I was proud that I was able to get myself to that place. And I have to accredit obviously both Mason, my scene partner and Damien for bringing that out of me and really elevate the performance to that echelon.

[00:11:57] So it's funny to you know, like, you know, Arthur clown, you know, he's like an iconic and terrifying figure in the horror genre right now, like acting opposite with this character. Like, did you feel like did you like how intense was that scene? Like with where's this you two in there? It was it was pretty crazy. Well, partly because David, who plays Arthur Clown, is like the nicest guy ever.

[00:12:23] So like we would go from like joking back and forth to suddenly switching into this like very sinister and like compromising position. So I think it was very helpful to have him in full costume to have the sound effects of the chainsaw right in front of me to really, you know, take us out of reality and take us into the plane in which Terrifier exists, where it's like this almost out of body larger than life situation.

[00:12:48] So it was just really cool to watch how he is able to oscillate between his, you know, kind normal self to like dark, creepy, yet silent character, you know, so it's all about the eyes. It was it was really cool. And also just to see him undergo that transformation from David to art, like with all the like prosthetic work. Like it doesn't it, it definitely elicits a feeling of fear, especially after watching the rest of the franchise, you really, you can't help it.

[00:13:15] You see that you see the iconic mask and you're like, Oh, okay, that's what we're dealing with here. What was your reaction when you saw the finished product in that clip in that scene? First of all, I was very proud. I'll be honest. Like I, when you film something in that nature, you know, I'm, I'm giving my all but I also have no idea how it's translating and you also don't really know what they're going to end up using. Like we shot stuff that did not make the final cut.

[00:13:43] Some changes were made in post production, you know, so I was just curious, you know, like I was like, I'm so excited. But ultimately, I was very proud of the work that was put together. I was very happy with the cut that made the final, the final run. I felt very respected and all of my boundaries were respected by the team behind it in post. So ultimately, I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. And I was watching everyone's reactions in the theater. I saw it different times and my poor mom's reaction, you know. That's where I was going with this too.

[00:14:13] I was going to ask about your friends and your mother or your parents. Like how was the, how was the reaction when they saw that scene? I will say it was a very special experience sitting at the premiere between my mom and my boyfriend and watching that scene. No, no, I don't think I'll ever experience anything else like that. Pretty unique. But it was just cool. It was really cool to see people's visceral response to that scene and to know that it was like a job well done. Like I felt like we made the splash that we set out to make and hearing the oohs and the ahs and the hiding of the face.

[00:14:42] I was like, yep, we did that. That was what we wanted, you know. So very happy ultimately. What do you hope like the, you know, the people that have watched this or even they're about to watch this? Like what do you hope they get out of Mia's story and especially this movie? Well, I think sometimes Mia can be a bit polarizing. So, you know, I think my job is done well if you get a little bit irritated and you don't love her all the time. I think my acquired taste will say.

[00:15:11] But I also, I would just love for them to be like wowed by the gore and the spectacle of it all. You know, that's ultimately what we set out to do was to make a spectacle and to create this larger than life death scene, you know. So I hope people are just impressed by the gore and impressed by what we were able to do completely with physical effect, you know. So, yeah. What was your favorite moment working on set and filming this?

[00:15:42] So many great moments and so many wonderful people on set. So truly can't say enough positive, nice things. A special moment for me though was just my scene with Sienna and being able to work with, you know, just the most titan of actresses. You know, she's incredible. And that energetic exchange that we shared in that scene was so real and very inspiring for me as an actress who is, you know, building her career and excited about moving forward.

[00:16:08] And just seeing what she's been able to do using Terrifier as a launch pad for the rest of her career, you know, it was just very inspiring. And I left that day being like, I'm in the right place. I feel inspired. I feel like I just, it gave me juice, you know, put juice in the tank and I was excited to keep going. So that was a really special moment that we shared. Now, you know, your name will be cemented into the horror genre for the rest of your life. How does that make you feel though? I mean, very excited.

[00:16:36] It's something that I never saw coming, you know, and sometimes those are the greatest blessings in life or things that you didn't necessarily paint out in your head. But now that it's happened, I am so honored to be a part of it. And I would absolutely love to continue my journey into the horror genre and to keep pushing the boundaries, you know, like, I don't know. I am super excited by even the use of prosthetics and things like that.

[00:17:01] I've done some short films since my filming of Terrifier in which I use prosthetics and fake blood and things like that. And I've definitely, it's opened a love of special effects makeup for myself. So I feel like it's inspired me to keep going for sure. So in other words, you want to hopefully find a film that you could do a series out of a scream or something like that. I was going to say, exactly. Like having, maybe if I don't get killed off right away, you know, that'd be nice. And I could maybe make it through. Eventually there'll be a Terrifier 4, but obviously we won't see you in that. Exactly.

[00:17:30] I'm like, you know, reality is somewhat suspended, so never say never. But I think Mia's a little bit of done. I think she's a little bit of toast, if you know what I'm saying. Well, you know, last question in the movie. What do you think, like, the fans, why do you think they're, like, obsessed with Art the Clown and his legacy? And, you know, it makes him a terrifying villain. But what do you think, what makes them, like, they want to watch this, do you think? Well, I kind of have two answers.

[00:17:54] In terms of just Art as a character, I mean, the physical comedy that David employs is truly, like, next level. And he has this very unique, dark humor that he kind of has mastered and kind of originated. There's no other horror villain, at least that I can think of, that enjoys the killing the way that Art does. Like, he's laughing. He's miming it out. He's pantomiming. And it's hilarious. It's sick. And it's scary. But it's also so funny.

[00:18:23] And so I think in terms of, like, a villain, he's somehow so likable, even though he's doing the most, like, disgusting things you could ever imagine. So I think that is what fans buy into and love. And that's totally David. You know, that's just him being him and being an incredible performer. But then I also think people love an underdog story.

[00:18:43] And I think that Terrifier and the success, especially, of the last two films is a testimony to the fact that we're over the same storylines that we've seen over and over again in Hollywood. People are ready for fresh faces. They're ready for fresh storylines. They're ready for a grassroots film like Terrifier to be the underdog and beat these massive, major box office films, you know? So I think people like being a part of this hero arc that Terrifier has had and continues to have.

[00:19:12] You know, I'm so excited for Damien and to see what he does next and just make it bigger and even crazier, I'm sure. And the obsession is just going to grow. So I think that's pretty cool. Alexa, what's next for you now? Any other projects you're allowed to tell us about? Are you working on or can you tease anything? You know, I have a film coming out on Netflix. I don't know if I'm allowed to say the name, but it's going to be in the comedy realm. So that'll be out in a couple months' time. I also am going to be performing at the Grammys on Sunday.

[00:19:40] So keep an eye out on your TV. And but yeah, ultimately, I'm just I'm back to training. And I'm really focused on embracing and hopefully combining both my movement and acting skill set. But I mean, Alexa, how can the listeners and viewers now find you on social media? Keep up with you. I've saw that you've been posting a few things on the movie. Yes, absolutely. You can keep up with me on Instagram underscore Alexa Blair and on TikTok Alexa Blair Rob. Those are my primary social media pages.

[00:20:09] And I definitely anytime I'm doing anything or I'm posted on there so people can follow my journey there. Amazing. Alexa, I want to thank you for giving me a minute. Let's get you back on with the future projects. Yeah, let's do it.