PopHorror Let's Get Scared
There are several reasons I don’t generally choose to stay in an Airbnb when I’m traveling, but a super weird and crazy host isn’t usually one of them. After watching the creepy and unsettling film, Superhost (2021 – our review), I have now added that to my ever-growing list of reasons. To celebrate the film’s February 1, 2022 release on Blu-ray, I chatted with star Osric Chau about the film, why he loves horror, and what’s up next.
Horror has been that one area that people can take chances in. It’s just been that special little land that can do what it wants… — Osric Chau
PopHorror: Superhost is so much fun so I’m excited to speak with you today.
Osric Chau: I’m glad you enjoyed it!
PopHorror: What intrigued you about the film and made you want to be a part of it?
Osric Chau: I was a fan of Brandon’s [Director Christensen] work more than anything. I loved what he did with Z [2019]. I was a fan and wanted to work with the guy who did the thing. My roommate was working with him previously, and she was the one who made the introduction, so when he came to me with the project, I looked it over, and I just started talking with him. He seemed like a really easygoing guy, and so it was a very easy decision to hop into it with him.
PopHorror: I bet it makes it better when they’re easy to get along with, and easygoing just makes the workplace so much more enjoyable.
Osric Chau: Oh, absolutely. I think it’s probably the most important thing, so I’m glad that he was.
PopHorror: After reading the script, was there anything that you were adamant about bringing to your character of Teddy?
Osric Chau: I had a lot of notes that I brought up. I think Teddy’s character was pretty set. It was just like little tweaks on the character arcs that I was mostly harping on, but I thought Brandon did such a great job with Teddy’s arc already, I didn’t really have to tweak. I didn’t have too many thoughts on that.
PopHorror: You’re no stranger to the horror genre. Kevin Tran is probably my second favorite Supernatural character. What is it that draws you to horror?
Osric Chau: I love horror movies. I think I just like the randomness of what can happen because there’s so much freedom in this genre. People can take chances, and I appreciate that, because I feel like with every other genre, you’re starting to see more of the same types of movie, wherever it be the same formula of story or the same people, and it’s just because of the financials of it. The numbers just don’t make sense any other way. I understand that stuff, and I feel like horror has been that one area that people can take chances in. It’s just been that special little land that can do what it wants, and it makes it more special if they do it that way. I just love that about horror films.
PopHorror: So, what would be your weapon of choice in a zombie apocalypse?
Osric Chau: Weapon of choice… Probably a machete.
PopHorror: That’s my choice, too!
Osric Chau: If you choose an ax, it would get stuck. A machete, you can be agile but still deadly.
PopHorror: What is up next for you, Osric?
Osric Chau: I want to direct. I directed my first short film last year, and it was such a wonderful experience that I definitely want to do it again. So I’ve been writing a script essentially about my parents for a couple of years now. Originally, I wanted to act in it, but now I don’t want to act in it, I just want to direct it. So I’m going to finish this script—hopefully in a way that I like—and then I’ll take it out into the market and see if anyone wants to help me make it.
PopHorror: Oh, that’s super exciting! I’ll have to keep an eye out for that.
Osric Chau: Yeah! It’ll probably take some time, but yes. That is the goal.
PopHorror: I just have one last question for you today, Osric. What is your favorite scary movie?
Osric Chau: The one that messed me up the most was The Ring. Maybe I watched it too young, but that was the only one that actually traumatized me.
Thank you so much, Osric, for taking the time to speak with us. You can catch Superhost, now on Shudder and coming to Blu-ray on February 1, 2022.
