For our latest feature, we speak with actor Julia Doyle about her role in the new horror comedy Hell of a Summer which recently hit theaters via Neon. Julia is also known for her role as Candace Powell in SyFy’s Astrid & Lilly Save the World.
Hell of a Summer, which is directed by and stars Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, takes place at a summer camp where a masked killer is lurking on the campgrounds, brutally taking victims one by one. It also stars Fred Hechinger, Matthew Finlan, Daniel Gravelle, Krista Nazaire and more. Julia is also known for her role as Candace Powell in SyFy’s Astrid & Lilly Save the World.
In our digital magazine feature, Julia reflects on her time working on Hell of a Summer, the horror genre, preparing for her role, and working with the cast and crew.
Photos for this exclusive feature by Evoke Photo Studios.
What was the first and last day on set like for you on Hell of a Summer?
Julia Doyle (JD): First day happy, last day also happy but slightly less.
What’s it like for you working in the horror genre right now?
JD: It’s a joyous feeling. I would usually say something like “I grew up on horror movies, I’m such a lucky girl!” but in retrospect, I’m realizing I’m a dirty liar. I grew up petrified of horror. Whenever the trailers for Evil Dead (2013) or 1000 Ways to Die would play during commercial breaks, I would hide under the blanket and plug my ears until my parents told me it was over.
JD: So back then, I was thankful and grateful for the lack of horror trailers on TV shows I was watching. But one fateful evening (age 10) whilst lurking, I peeked around the basement corner and saw my older brother watching The Walking Dead. To be specific, that one scene in the pilot where Rick turns the corner and runs into a hoard of “walkers”, has to ditch his horse and escape into an abandoned tank where more danger awaits. Anyways, you get the point, I really liked it.
JD: I started building my horror tolerance through bingeing The Walking Dead. And on YouTube WatchMojo videos, horror movie trailers and BTS of horror film sets. I vividly remember re-watching Evil Dead (2013) BTS footage over and over again, dreaming of living a similar life. Ironic it was the same movie that tormented me, but maybe that was intentional so I could build up the courage to watch it, not sure. So to get back to the point, I’d say working in the horror genre during today’s age is so great! I’m having so much fun!
Did you research or watch any summer camp themed horror films before filming Hell of a Summer?
JD: I recently forgot my password and had to start a new letterboxd account, so I’m not 100% sure but I’m like 95% I didn’t. If I did, it was probably either Friday the 13th Part 3 or Friday the 13 Part 4. Thankfully I had already watched the majority of the slasher summer camp classics at that time so I focused more of my energy on ensemble classics. I know I can do a good scream so I just wanted to focus my time on comedic timing, being a good team player and being an active listener.
What can you tell us about your character?
JD: She has a big heart but is misguided. Well intentioned but not well adjusted. Plant based.
What was it like working with Finn, Billy, Fred and the rest of the cast? What would you say was one of your favorite scenes to film?
JD: Lovely. All are super nice, sweet and funny, every single last one of them! Funny memory I have of Billy and Finn was when they found out I was actually a vegan IRL. It was like a week into filming and we were all about to have dinner back at the lodge (where we stayed while filming) and they heard me ask what the vegan option for dinner was. Life imitates art, what can I say.
JD: But in Billy and Finn’s case, they were shocked and just thought I was doing a week long bit and or was a method actor. They also immediately asked if I was hurt or offended but I reassured them I wasn’t. I saw it as a parody of myself. When I read my character description for my audition, I was like ‘omggggg why is this soooo me’ but like a heightened, more annoying, less kind and considerate version. My favorite scene to shoot was the beach scene. The water was a bit cold but it was a fun scene to shoot.
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Hell of a Summer is currently playing in theaters.
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