Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’s Austin Zajur

Austin Zajur is delivering a frighteningly brilliant performance as Chuck Steinberg in the horror-thriller, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark—in theaters today. Based on the popular book series, it’s the perfect role for the talented actor whose father introduced him to these stories as a young boy. Pop Culturalist caught up with Austin to chat about the film, his character’s arc, and what it was like working alongside Guillermo del Toro and André Øvredal.

PC: Tell us about Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and what drew you to this project.
Austin: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is based off a popular book series for kids and young adults. I remember my dad telling me these stories when I would go to sleep at night. I had no idea that they were from the Scary Stories collection; I just thought he was making up these crazy stories in his head. I actually didn’t find out until I got the first audition! The project as a whole and how it takes place in 1968 are what attracted me to this project.

PC: In the film, the kids find a book that writes a specific story based on who these characters are and their greatest fears. Who is Chuck and what is his greatest fear?
Austin: Chuck Steinberg is a rambunctious scramp with a big mouth. He says a lot of things to get a reaction out of people. Throughout the film, he undergoes so many real emotions—that’s another reason why I was attracted to this project! You don’t see a lot of films like this where the comedic relief has such a strong and intense character arc. Chuck’s biggest fear is being alone and having no one relate to him.

PC: Like you said earlier, this is both a horror film and a period piece. How did you prepare to tackle those different aspects?
Austin: I read all the books and got super familiar with all the stories. When I first signed on for this project, I hadn’t seen the whole script yet. I went off the scenes that I had for my audition. After I got the script, I had a lot of ideas about the character that André Øvredal, Guillermo del Toro, and the writers created, and then I brought my personality to Chuck. To get into the time period, I made a whole playlist of music, which really helped me feel like a part of the ‘60s.

PC: There are a lot of layers to Chuck. Which was your favorite to explore?
Austin: Chuck has a lot of internalized fears. You see that as his story unfolds, and that was my favorite thing to explore. You’ll see him try and figure out how to stop what’s happening from happening, so he has to fight through all his fears.

PC: The chemistry between the kids is essential for the film. How did you all build that bond?
Austin: In terms of the chemistry, they did a fantastic job with the casting. Zoe Colletti (who plays Stella), Gabriel Rush (who plays Auggie), Natalie Ganzhorn (who plays my older sister, Rush), and I had the most insane chemistry from the moment we met. It’s funny: when we would hang out, we would say stuff that sounded like lines from the movie. It was uncanny.

PC: What was it like working with Guillermo del Toro? Did he share any words of wisdom?
Austin: It was so cool to learn from him and watch how he works. He would make simple adjustments and they would make the scenes so much better.

PC: We read that you aren’t the biggest horror fan since you scare easily. Did the cast or crew pull any pranks because of that?
Austin: Actually, I pulled the pranks! I would scare everyone in the cast. My wrap gift to Guillermo was a bag of fart bombs. [laughs]

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Austin: Scooby Doo, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The O.C.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Austin: This skater movie called Grind, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Almost Famous, A Bug’s Life, and Mulan.

PC: Favorite book?
Austin: The Alchemist

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Austin: Noises Off and Woman and Wallace

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Austin: My favorite band is a British band called Foals. They are so amazing live.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Austin: Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen

PC: Hidden talent?
Austin: I can play the drums.

To keep up with Austin, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark in theaters today!

Photo Credit: George Kraychyk