Our latest feature for October 2025 is with actor Christina Orjalo who stars in Deathstalker, the new reimagining of Roger Corman’s 1983 cult favorite sword and sorcery film.

Directed by Steven Kostanski (The Void, V/H/S/94), Deathstalker premiered in select theaters on October 10 after having a well-received festival run. Christina plays Brisbayne with Daniel Bernhardt (John Wick, The Matrix Reloaded) as the titular Deathstalker, and Patton Oswalt (Young Adult, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) as the voice of the benevolent wizard Doodad. Deathstalker also features a score by Blitz//Berlin with an original song by Slash and Bear McCreary.

In Deathstalker, the Kingdom of Abraxeon is under siege by the Dreadites, heralds of the long-dead sorcerer Nekromemnon. When Deathstalker recovers a cursed amulet from a corpse-strewn battlefield, he’s marked by dark magick and hunted by monstrous assassins. To survive, he must break the curse and face the rising evil.

Check out our conversation with Christina Orjalo below.

Exclusive photos for Popternative Magazine by Mike NG of Evoke Photo Studios

How exciting has it been that Deathstalker played at several festivals?

Christina: To see that the film is being received internationally is unbelievably cool to say the least. I actually attended the film’s world premiere in Switzerland at the Locarno Film Festival, as well as the North American premiere at Fantastic Fest. It’s electrifying getting to be part of it all.

What was your audition process like for the Deathstalker? How much did you know about it in advance?

Christina: My initial audition was a classic self-tape, followed by a chemistry read on Zoom a few weeks
later with Daniel [Bernhardt] and Steve [Kostanski]. I wasn’t familiar with Deathstalker beforehand, but I received the full script before the Zoom meeting which helped me better understand the world we were playing in. Something I won’t forget is how warm and charismatic Daniel was from the get go. He is a remarkably genuine guy. On Zoom, he prompted the two of us splitting off into a breakout room to run the scenes a few times beforehand, saying “I get it, I’ve done exactly what you’re about to do. I want you to feel that you can go out there and do your best.” I remember being stunned by this, like, who was this Hollywood star being so generous, offering me not only his time but, in a way, a vote of confidence? Daniel. Freakin’. Bernhardt.


How would you describe the genres at play with Deathstalker?

Christina: This movie offers a lot to audiences: swords and sorcery, loads of action and adventure, nods to
the OG films, and honestly funny moments. The practical effects are unbelievable; right from the film’s start, what Steve and the team were able to create really sets the tone for the wild ride ahead. It also has an unexpected amount of heart and camaraderie between the trio, which is one of the elements I love most.

What has it been like seeing the reception online of the film after its festival screenings?

Christina: It’s been pretty thrilling to see folks from all around the world share their experience. It really stands out to me how many people are leaving the theatre with the theme song stuck in their head, quoting funny moments, or overall just feeling thoroughly entertained. I think there was a uniquely tricky task at hand with this reboot: properly paying homage to the original films while also bringing it forward in time, plus keeping that trademark Kostanski magic throughout, and I think Steve and the whole crew nailed it. Seeing fans of the OG films really enjoy this addition to the Deathstalker lineup and embrace what Steve has made is awesome.

What were some learning experiences you gained from Deathstalker?

Christina: Getting to do my first stunt sequence was a highlight for sure. Due to a bit of a scheduling fluke one day, our stunt team walked me through the Scarabus fight just before shooting as I needed to do it myself. A bit nerve-wracking, but totally exhilarating. Our stunt team was amazing; a contagiously positive energy, and always locking in when it was go time. Tressa Young handled the incredible stunt work for Brisbayne, and she killed it. It can be tempting to think, “oh, that’s daunting, I’ve never done that before,” but I like to approach those moments with an open curiosity and see what I’m capable of. I was surrounded by a team that really encouraged me to rise to the challenge. Pushing my limits and battling the incredible Troy James was such a special experience.

You also had a role in the recently released mystery thriller series, Wayward, on Netflix. What can you tell us about your experience with that?

Christina: Oh boy, what a party! We spent a couple of days shooting the flashback sequences at this Greek restaurant (Episode 6), and we were lucky that everyone just clicked. The fun you see us having on screen came pretty naturally. Getting to work with Toni [Collette] even briefly, was surreal. The series as a whole is wicked, and I’m so glad I got to play in that world.

What was it like reading the script for Deathstalker and seeing everything come to life once you started filming?

Christina: Deathstalker really was a “trust the process” kind of shoot, in the best way possible. I was blown away by how Steve, our DP Andy, and the whole team turned cold, muddy shots into breathtaking pockets of the Abraxeon world. Their vision for what we were creating was so expansive and detailed. It was magical getting to see it all come together. The art, the practical effects, the music; this film is seriously something special.

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