AEW’s Chris Jericho Talks Becoming The Prophet in Shudder’s Horror Thriller Dark Match

In his wrestling journey, Chris Jericho has donned various personas that have captivated audiences, and this trend persists in All Elite Wrestling through The Learning Tree. Contrary to appearances on Dynamite, Jericho has metamorphosed into a cryptic character named The Prophet, starring in Shudder’s innovative film where horror and wrestling intertwine in gruesome fashion. ComicBook recently interviewed Jericho about this transformation, the movie’s aspects, and what led him to participate in this intriguing project.

Initially, there was some apprehension about accepting a film project centered around wrestling, as it’s something Jericho is deeply involved in regularly and past wrestling-themed projects have struggled to portray the sport accurately. However, Jericho’s concerns were alleviated upon reading the script.

In different words, Jericho stated, “Upon reading the script, I initially had doubts about a wrestling movie. However, when I learned that Lowell Dean was both director and writer, given my appreciation for Wolf Cop, I decided to give it a chance. You see, I’m typically wary of any films or series involving wrestling, as they often come off as somewhat cheesy due to my extensive background in the sport.

In simpler terms, Jericho commented that the script was exceptionally well-crafted, demonstrating a deep understanding of professional wrestling, avoiding the common pitfall of condescension towards the sport and its fans. He appreciated this approach as it allowed him to bring something fresh and enjoyable to the role. He also expressed his desire not to just play himself, but rather to explore new possibilities with the character.

Jericho expressed that it was crucial for him as an actor not to let the audience focus on Chris Jericho, but rather see the characters he played, such as the prophet, leader, and the eccentric bat-wielding character. He believed that achieving this made his role more rewarding and enjoyable in the movie.

Through the tale, Jericho’s Prophet casts a dominant presence, with characters like Ayisha Issa (portraying Miss Behave) and Steven Ogg (depicting Mean Joe Lean) at its heart. From the get-go, they were integral to the narrative unfolding.

In the show Dark Match, everyone seemed to bring their best performance. For instance, Ayisha and Steven were incredibly talented actors. My first scene was quite memorable – it involved me joining the set for the first time where Lien and Steven Ogg (a favorite from The Walking Dead) were present. So, I had to dive right in and make a strong impression since I hadn’t yet established myself.

As a cinephile, I can tell you that stepping onto set for the first time as this prophet character was no ordinary experience. Standing next to Steven Ogg, who portrayed my co-star, was like facing an unexpected test. But I believe I quickly proved myself worthy of being there, seamlessly fitting into the dynamic of the cast.

What made it even more challenging was the awareness that these were exceptionally talented individuals. This realization only served to raise the bar for my performance. Working alongside Stephen throughout the entire production was a privilege, and we shared some truly memorable scenes together. He’s an incredible actor, kind-hearted, and I learned so much from him.

The same goes for Ayisha, as well as every other member of the cast. It was a pleasure to be part of such a talented ensemble, and I take great pride in the work we accomplished together.

A significant part of why Dark Match was satisfying for Jericho was because, while it undeniably incorporated key aspects of wrestling, it didn’t aim to be a traditional wrestling movie. Instead, it skillfully blended those elements into a chilling horror narrative that offered numerous surprises and kept viewers on their toes from start to finish.

In simpler terms, Jericho stated that this film isn’t just a pro wrestling movie; instead, it’s a skillfully crafted horror story where professional wrestling serves as the backdrop. He likened the matches to elements like fire, wind, earth, and water, and described them as being more than ordinary bouts – they are contests where the loser is essentially sacrificed to summon Satan from hell. The plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, much like his character, Jericho’s role in the movie.

Jericho remarked, ‘It’s as if nobody knows how the ending unfolds, and after seeing the movie in three distinct theaters across three cities, everyone’s responses have been consistently wonderful. They laugh at the right moments, scream when necessary, gasp when expected, and at the end, they exclaim, “That was wild! I loved it!” I can hardly wait to watch it again.’ This is exactly what you aim for.

Dark Match is now available to stream exclusively on Shudder.

2025-02-12 05:10

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