"HookMan" Muse Watson

Living-Dead.com: I'm going to cut right to the chase. How did you hear about the part of 'Hook Man', Ben Willis?

Muse Watson: I actually got a call from my agent saying that they were having trouble finding a Ben. I was asked to come to the casting office and read the role on tape to be sent to the director who was already in North Carolina on location. I thought it was a great role. Here was a man who was a loving father who becomes crazy after his daughter is killed in an accident. Of course, after arriving on set, the loving father part got diminished. But when I first read it...I thought it was well written and a great character.

Living-Dead.com: What kinds of things did you do, behind the scenes, to get in shape for your role as everyone's favorite 'Hooked Maniac'?

Muse Watson: Well, I studied each movement like Tai Chi, because I thought of Ben as a man who was methodical and smooth. I took the Hook home with me and became very accomplished and accurate. I could spin it in the air four revolutions and catch it in a back-hand. A move that one of the producers thought should have been included in the film. I could also take every leaf off of a bush one at a time with out touching the other leaves. Ben's movement was very important to me. Because he was not revealed til the end, it was very important to me for the audience to feel his presence and know his ominous nature.

Living-Dead.com: What's your thoughts on being considered somewhat of a horror movie 'Icon'? Do you accept this role with honors, or reluctance?

Muse Watson: It's an honor. I don't think it is "just" luck either. Although a great audience reaction seems a bit of luck in this business. I think the camera work, the other character's reactions, the movement I gave him, all have a part in it. I'm proud to be a horror "Icon". ...and grateful to the horror fans. Of course like any other actor, I could wish that I could earn the distinction of being a comedy icon too by the end of my career. LOL

Living-Dead.com: Between the renewed success of the modern day Slasher film, which 'classic' Slasher Icon would you love to portray in a motion picture, if you had the chance? And why?

Muse Watson: I was not a big fan of the genre before becoming 'Ben' so my knowledge of them is limited. I don't know which one I would choose, but I would jump at the chance I'm sure.

Living-Dead.com: 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' catapulted many careers, including yours. What was it like to work with such a talented bunch of actors/actresses, all at the same time? And if I may be so bold, which was your favorite?

Muse Watson: It is always exciting to work with a cast full of folks who are on their way up. The energy is amazing. I really enjoyed getting to know them and love them. As for my favorite, I can tell you I would be proud to have any or all of them as family. Love will always hold a special place in my heart. She was responsible for my being on Saturday Night Live. One of the biggest thrills of my life. Sarah and I really enjoyed talking and going places, and I think she is one of the sweetest and most professional actors I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Freddy is a really nice person and interesting to get to know. He is very intelligent. Ryan is thoughtful and kind. He is such a talented actor that it's scary. He has an incredible range. Johnney Galecki was fun to get to know. I worked with him again on 'Morgan's Ferry'...and would jump at the chance to work with him again. We worked with some incredible talent in both films and they were both a pleasure to shoot.