In the upcoming thriller “The Stepfather,” actor Penn Badgley assumes the role of Michael Harding, an angry teenager fresh from military school who is forced to deal with his mother’s new boyfriend, David. As the two get to know each other, Harding realizes this man is hiding a secret, and in horror film fashion, terror ensues. This remake of the 1987 film — loosely based on a true story — is much less eerie, stepping away from the original’s creepy, slasher film aesthetic.
“The Stepfather” is a different type of scary movie than the horror movies that have recently come out, such as “Sorority Row,” “Pandorum” and “Jennifer’s Body.” It is based on an old-school variety of horror, but with a modern Hollywood twist.
Unlike tales of demonic high school girls, it has a somewhat relatable topic; it plays on the idea that we are all paranoid of strangers and what happens when our worst fears come true. The fact that it is based on a true story makes it all the more haunting.
In the original film, Badgley’s character was a girl, but that was changed to get an in-depth relationship going between the father and son.
“I think they changed it so that the film would have a different kind of tension,” Badgley said in an interview with the Eagle.
In the new version, there are fight scenes and a different kind of story line, one where the audience can get more invested in what is going on.
“Those fight scenes were intense,” said Badgley, who did most of his own stunts. “I have the bruises and scrapes to prove it. Off-set I would be screaming and doing pushups and pull-ups, just to get ready for the fighting.”
Badgley, a 22-year-old Baltimore native, is perhaps best known for his role as Dan Humphrey on the CW’s “Gossip Girl.” He plays a sarcastic, intelligent guy from Brooklyn surrounded by wealthy Manhattanites. Badgley originally took the role in “The Stepfather” because he assumed it would be a major difference from Dan.
“Michael is more pissed off and quiet than Dan,” Badgley said of his character. “It was like mental gymnastics because I had find something real to compel my character.”
However, Badgley said that in real life, he relates more to Michael than Dan.
“Dan is kind of the everyman, whereas Michael actually has real problems,” Badgley said. “I remember when I was 16 and would hate my parents for one thing or another. Dan just seems more ordinary and has no real problems.”
Though he may not see it, in essence Badgley is similar to Dan; they are both fast talkers and down to earth guys, but Michael is something more. He is a character with issues and intensity, which will be a change for Badgley fans to see on the silver screen. For Badgley, this character and film is something that all people, young and old, would like to see.
“Anybody who’s ever felt unsure of who they are and where they fit into the world can relate to Michael,” Badgley said. “For the film, the idea of a stranger being in your home is something anyone can relate to and understand, and, if anything, we can always relate to family experiences, which is what this [movie] is about.”
“The Stepfather” hits theaters this Friday, Oct. 16.
You can reach this staff writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com.
