Interview: Actress Ruby Modine for SATANIC PANIC
Courtesy of RLJE Films

SATANIC PANIC is one of our most anticipated movies of 2019. Written by one of our favorite writers, Grady Hendrix and Ted Geoghegan, and directed by Chelsea Stardust, a woman who is a force to be reckoned with, the film promised fun, blood, and Satan. And it gave us all of that, and so much more. But one of the things that really stood out to us was the amazing performance by Ruby Modine, who played Judi Ross, the daughter of the head bitch in town. Ruby first caught our eye in the entertaining Happy Death Day, so we were beyond excited to see her in this latest role. We were insanely lucky to get to speak with Ruby, where we talked about SATANIC PANIC, superpowers, her favorite dishes to cook, and – of course – horror movies.

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. Loved SATANIC PANIC. Thought it was so good. I’m also a big fan of Happy Death Day, so I revisited that last night, and it’s so funny. 

Ruby Modine: Thank you!

Courtesy of RLJE Films

Yes, of course. What was it about SATANIC PANIC that made you want to be a part of it?

Ruby Modine: Oh, my gosh. I mean, it was so crazy on paper, so then to do it in real life would be even more awesome. I received the script, and read it front to cover so quickly, and then something really spooky happened when I closed the last page. A bird flew in my house. No joke, and slammed into my window. it was terrifying. I told Chelsea this. 

Oh, my God! That is crazy!

Ruby Modine: No joke. It was so scary. So on that note, I was like I have to audition for this. I went and auditioned. I had the opportunity to meet with Chelsea Stardust who told me how grueling, how treacherous, how intense Judi’s journey is. Am I ready for that? And I was like, bring it on. Let’s do this. I was so excited because it’s a film that I haven’t done before, so to speak, and the idea that it’s going to be a practical effect. I’m a huge Evil Dead fan so I was excited about that, and Judi’s dialogue, you know what I mean? It was a whole mixture of just… oh my gosh please let me be a part of this film. 

I love your enthusiasm. It’s so fun. Chelsea is amazing, and I love what she did with Grady. I can’t imagine how much fun it was to film all of that. 

Ruby Modine: It really was. Every day on set was a new adventure. I kid you not.

Courtesy of RLJE Films

What was your favorite part of filming?

Ruby Modine: It’s difficult because usually, I can say, “Oh, it was this.” But there were so many different moments that made me kind of emotionally go, “Wow, I’m going to take this forever. I love this moment.” And Hayley and I, our characters become friends through filming, but we became really good friends off-camera as well. So, we got to spend a lot of time together and run lines, and figure out the character. I would say that probably Hayley’s and [my] friendship coming from the film was my favorite. It was really awesome to be on a set that was driven by women. I’m not going to lie to you. There was some sort of force that was on that set that made everyone go like, “We’re going to do this, and we’re going to do it right. Let’s go.”

The scene in the kitchen between Hayley and I would probably be my favorite scene. Or, you know what…actually no. The scene where I go off on her about, excuse my language, being a big retarded baby. That was the hardest scene to film, and it was the funniest as well because I had to cut myself off and be like, “I’m so sorry. I don’t mean this.” Yeah, that was one of the funnest scenes to film, for sure, as simple as it was. The skin sealing scene was just batshit crazy. That’s my favorite scene.

So you’ve been in Happy Death Day and its sequel, and now SATANIC PANIC. What draws you to the horror genre?

Ruby Modine: That’s what’s been falling on my desk. And I’m not upset about it. I absolutely have always loved horror. I love the screaming, and the jumping, and the, “Oh, gosh. What’s going to happen now?” Like, “Oh, God. Don’t open that door!” It’s the fun behind it. Nobody wants what happens in horror films to ever happen. But you know the game where you have to run to your door, and you have to open it as quick as possible? I don’t know if you’ve ever done that with your friends. I have. And it’s exciting to do it and know that nothing is going to happen on the other side of the door. 

If you could collaborate with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

Ruby Modine: Oh, no. Come on. Musically, or in theater?

Either one!

Ruby Modine: I wanted to perform with Amy Winehouse more than anything in my life. Rest in peace. I would have to go with her. And Alfred Hitchcock. 

Those are both great answers. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Ruby Modine: Oh, my gosh. I would want to be a mutant from The X-Men. Does that count?

Yes, of course!

Ruby Modine: So many. I loved Phoenix so much growing up, in the comics. Although she was a villain. I would want to be a shapeshifter.

Courtesy of RLJE Films

What are you currently working on?

Ruby Modine: I am not allowed to say what I am currently working on, but as I’ve told a few, what I can say is that I am learning a Swedish rock song on the acoustic guitar.

That sounds intriguing. 

Ruby Modine: Yes, I am currently working on that. Along with getting in the music studio soon. I’m going to start recording an album soon enough. 

Cool! I’ll have to keep an eye out for that. I know that you’re in a band. If you weren’t acting, what do you think you’d be doing?

Ruby Modine: I think I would be working on my music, and I would be a chef. My specialties are jalapeno veggie burgers, and chicken pot pie, with not real chicken of course.

Those sound delicious. I love to cook too, so I completely get that. I just have one last question for you. What is your favorite scary movie?

Ruby Modine: I have a lot, which is why I’ve gone silent. I’m going to say to you… I will say The Exorcist. I love Evil Dead 2. I LOVE Evil Dead 2. But, for a really terrifying film, I’m going to go with The Exorcist.

Be sure to check out SATANIC PANIC in the US in a limited theatrical release, and on VOD on September 6, 2019. To learn more about the film, check out our review here

Tiffany Blem
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