PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I’m a huge fan of the Critters series. It’s probably second favorite horror franchise with A Nightmare on Elm Street coming in first. It’s fun, cheesy, and full of horrific mayhem that never grows old. So when I got the opportunity to interview actress Jocelyn Panton from Critters: A New Binge, I was like sign me up!
Jocelyn Panton has been dazzling her way into our hearts through the silver screen for awhile and her new role in Critters: A New Binge suits her perfectly. Learn more about how she got involved in the industry, how she got the role for New Binge, other projects, and more!
PopHorror – It’s great to talk with you Jocelyn, I hope you’re well. What inspired you to get involved in the industry?
Jocelyn Panton – Thank you so much for having me! I actually wanted to be an actor since I was a kid. I was first inspired when a traveling musical show came to town. They were singing, acting, and dancing. It moved so much that I felt like I had to do it. It wasn’t until I was in broadcasting school later on in life that I fully made the leap – the timing seemed right after doing that type of training. It brought me that one step closer to thinking maybe I can make this a reality.
PopHorror – Glad you pursued it! What was the first film you ever worked on?
Jocelyn Panton – I had done a few independent films before I booked my first professional film, and that was Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief. What an awesome film to be introduced to the film world! It was a fantastic crew, a huge film with amazing sets and I got to work with Christopher Columbus (Goonies, Harry Potter)!
PopHorror – That’s so cool and I love that movie! One of your newest projects is Critters: A New Binge, how did you go about getting this role?
Jocelyn Panton – The audition started out as what I thought was a regular audition, which quickly turned into a super fun, keep-me-on-my-toes improv act. I had to imagine the critters descending down to earth while I was doing my job as a reporter ;-). It kept me on my toes, and it’s auditions like these I absolutely love the challenge of and that allow me to get creative.
PopHorror – Sounds fun. I bet it was a super fun set. Can you tell us about your character?
Jocelyn Panton – Yes, my character’s name is Ellen Henderson and I play the charming town reporter. Always looking for my biggest break, I try to be the first one to show up and cover the story. It’s in a moment like this that Ellen gets caught up in some utter mayhem and goes on a wild yet kind of empowering, in her own way, ride.
PopHorror – Love it! Are you excited to be a part of such an iconic franchise?
Jocelyn Panton – I have been so excited about it since the day I found out I booked it. By then I had realized (apparently I live under a rock) that there was this huge fan following and I had looked into these critters. I found them so charming and grotesquely endearing and could see why everyone was so crazy about them. I feel so lucky to be part of this franchise.
PopHorror – You’re a great addition to the franchise and I’m so glad you got to learn more about them. Are you a fan of the original films?
Jocelyn Panton – Sure am! I have to admit I was a little late to the party on this one and I’m kicking myself for it. These guys are the cutest scary monsters you’d would want to stay away from.
PopHorror – Haha yes they are! Do you think fans are going to love this one?
Jocelyn Panton – Absolutely. We have the same charming guys back but with more campy dialogue and some fun crazy moves but instead of the 80s it’s set in present day but still has some of the 80s feel in it that we all love.
PopHorror – Gotta love that 80s feel. Nothing better. Any upcoming projects you’d like to talk about?
Jocelyn Panton – Yes! I play a recurring role on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow where I get to play Marilyn Monroe – my next episode will be the beginning of the two-part season finale. I also have a great little cameo in the reboot of the Twilight Zone. Thank you so much for having me!!
