We were lucky enough to sit down with Halloween 2018, Halloween Kills, and Halloween Ends actor, James Jude Courtney. James gives us an inside look at what it was like to embody the evil that is Michael Myers.
Chive: Today we’re joined by a very special guest, James Jude Courtney who portrayed Michael Myers in the latest Halloween films. How’s it going, James?
James Jude Courtney: It’s going great, man. Another beautiful day in paradise.
Chive: I want to ask right off the bat, do you get recognized now on the streets? Do people automatically associate you with Michael Myers?
James: You know, I attribute that really to social media. Because a lot of guys like Robert England, and the earlier iterations of Michael Myers, and the Jasons in years gone by – other than the hardcore fans wouldn’t really know them by face. But man it’s airports, and bars, and restaurants, and the grocery store. It’s pretty constant, it’s very respectful. Occasionally a Generation Z-er, usually a young girl will just start videotaping. Other than that it’s pretty innocuous.
Chive: That’s good. So you were actually recommended by stunt coordinator, Rawn Hutchinson, is that correct?
James: Yeah, the way that happened though when he read the script, he called David Gordon Green and said, “The script is different than any other, and for Michael Myers you’re going to need somebody who’s got really deep acting chops who’s also a really good stuntman.” And there’s just not many of those guys around him. There’s just not many guys who have really focused hard on both. David Gordon Green said, “He’s got to be 6ft 3in, 200 pounds, and he’s got to be in his sixties. Who do you know?” Rawn really didn’t remember me even though I’ve known him for 30 some odd years. It was Chris Nielsen and Jennifer, his wife. Chris Nielsen is one of the best guys in the stunt business. Jennifer’s like, “That’s Jimmy Courtney.” So Rawn called me and the rest is history.