Madelaine Petsch Reflects on the Conclusion of 'The Strangers' Trilogy — An Interview
When Madelaine Petsch first experienced "The Strangers" during her teenage years, it fundamentally altered her perceptions of both fear and safety. She candidly shared with IndieWire, just ahead of the release of Lionsgate’s "The Strangers: Chapter 3" on February 6, that this film was one of the earliest that truly unsettled her, instilling a lingering fear of being alone in her own home.
Bryan Bertino’s chilling home-invasion thriller from 2008 has had a similar impact on countless viewers. Its depiction of senseless violence echoes real-life horrors, notably inspired by infamous incidents like the Manson murders, which adds to its unsettling realism. Petsch remarked, "This was a real-life scenario that could genuinely occur," capturing the haunting notion of three menacing strangers suddenly appearing at your door. "That image never left me."
In the original film, Bertino deliberately left many questions unanswered, concluding the story with a cliffhanger that has lingered in Petsch's mind ever since. She reflected, "I’ve always been curious about what happens after Liv Tyler’s character opens her eyes. I appreciated that it allowed for various interpretations."
Fast forward to 2022, when Petsch was presented with the concept of not just one, but three interconnected spinoff films that would ultimately lead to the upcoming "The Strangers: Chapter 3" and its two predecessors, all under the direction of Renny Harlin. At first, she was doubtful. "My immediate reaction was to question who had the audacity to attempt a remake of such an iconic film?" However, her perspective shifted as she realized that this project wasn’t about remaking the original; it was something entirely different.
Producer Courtney Solomon conceptualized this trilogy as a way to re-establish the slasher franchise after it had previously meandered through varying tones and timelines, particularly after Johannes Roberts’ "The Strangers: Prey at Night" in 2018, which diverged significantly from Bertino’s initial vision. From the outset, the trilogy featuring Petsch was designed as a cohesive narrative arc. Instead of expanding the mythology aimlessly, "The Strangers Chapter 1" (2024) intentionally mirrored the visual style and storytelling approach of the original 2008 film.
Petsch views this decision not merely as a delay tactic but as a calculated choice meant to immerse the audience fully in the unfolding narrative. "They’re taking the first chapter and creating a reiteration of that original film to establish a foundation for the new story they wish to tell – what follows after you open your eyes," Petsch explained. "I found that to be quite bold and daring."
This ambition extended beyond just the script. The trilogy was filmed largely in sequence, allowing Petsch the opportunity to explore her character, Maya, across three feature-length films, providing her with a comprehensive psychological profile before even stepping onto the set. "As an artist, having the chance to develop an arc over three films simultaneously is a rare blessing," she expressed. "You don’t often receive all the material upfront like that."
Originally, the plan was to release the films of "The Strangers" trilogy in quick succession, with each installment launching every few months, effectively transforming Maya’s harrowing experiences into a test of endurance for the audience as well. However, due to extensive reshoots and logistical challenges, this ambitious timeline extended over four years. Nevertheless, the conceptual experiment remained vibrant in Petsch’s eyes. Throughout the trilogy, Maya doesn’t merely endure one inexplicable assault; she navigates the repercussions of a nightmare that has resonated within pop culture for almost two decades.
"She evolves into a character without limitations, blurring the lines between protagonist and antagonist," Petsch noted. "I find that dynamic particularly intriguing within this genre and its typical tropes." This long-form storytelling approach also highlights the distinctions between film and television—a differentiation that Petsch, known for her role in "Riverdale," is keen to emphasize amid current industry discussions that often conflate the two mediums.
"The only commonality is the act of performing in both mediums," she elaborated, suggesting that film allows for enhanced intentionality in an actor's choices. "You can ensure your decisions make sense over time."
During the production of "The Strangers," Petsch became deeply engaged in the development of the trilogy, working collaboratively on rewrites, shot lists, and casting decisions. Eventually, she took on a producer role, clarifying that her involvement wasn’t a mere transaction. "It wasn’t a situation where I came on board and said, ‘I’ll only participate if I’m credited as a producer,’" she explained. "I was fortunate to collaborate with someone who recognized my potential and wanted to include me in the creative process."
For Petsch, the horror genre consistently proves to be one that rewards such levels of trust and collaboration. "We take the most risks in horror," she stated. "The most compelling characters tend to emerge from this genre."
Currently, she is involved in another undisclosed horror project, but when asked about the possibility of "The Strangers" coming to an end, Petsch remains skeptical about any definitive retirement for these characters. "These figures are inherently creepy; they make for excellent antagonists and villains," she remarked. "I wouldn’t be surprised if someone else felt inspired to revisit this story in the future."
Mark your calendars! "The Strangers: Chapter 3" is set to hit theaters on February 6.
