The sublimely talented Riverdale actor reprises her starring role in the smash horror film trilogy, The Strangers. Who’s ready for The Strangers: Chapter 2?

By Richard Pérez-Feria / Photography by Mike Ruiz

That face. As far as I’m concerned, any substantive conversation about gifted actor Madelaine Petsch must begin by acknowledging the other-worldly perfection that is her face. “Beautiful” is nearly too insulting a term to fully explain what it is we’re actually looking at: genetics at its finest. Her symmetrical gorgeousness reminds me of Madonna’s No.1 song “Vogue” lyric that says, “Rita Hayworth gave good face.” Well, it’s time to update that particular line in the bridge.

The first time I encountered Petsch on my television screen was in her starring role in THE CW’s dark teen drama smash hit series that reimagined the Archie Comics characters, Riverdale. Petsch, as a (mostly) flawless bad girl-cum-wealthy/entitled high school cheerleader Cheryl Blossom, was utter perfection in the role. For seven epic seasons and 137 riveting episodes, there I sat glued to my television unable to take my eyes off Petsch’s award-worthy performance. Petsch, as expressed through Cheryl Blossom, has that oh-so-rare ability to make the audience root for her even when she may be the villain in the scene. She’s so damn good when she’s bad it’s all but irresistible for the rest of us defenseless mortals.

Of her many years starring on THE CW’s signature ratings juggernaut, Petsch weighed in about the impact the show had on the public as well as her as an actor. “I think Riverdale is a really great reminder of this thing that we made that was bizarre and insane and received in so many different ways,” she says. “As an actor, hell yeah, give me all the interesting, weird, fucked-up shit. That's what I want.”

And speaking of interesting roles, the Port Orchard, WA native is set to reprise her role as Maya Lucas in the hit Renny Harlin-directed horror trilogy, The Strangers. The second film, The Strangers: Chapter 2, which stars and is executive produced by Petsch, had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX recently and it’s released theatrically in the US by Lionsgate Films and theatrically released in the US by Lionsgate Films a week later.

A Fifth Element production, in association with Stream Media, Sherborne Media and Lipsync, The Strangers: Chapter 2 official synopsis from Lionsgate summarizes the film in a kind of an amazing, I-want-to-see-this-right-now, manner: “The Strangers are back–more brutal and relentless than ever. When they learn that one of their victims, Maya (Petsch), is still alive, they return to finish what they’ve started. With nowhere to run and no one to trust, Maya must survive another horrific chapter of terror as The Strangers–driven by a senseless, unceasing purpose–pursue her, more than willing to kill anyone who stands in their way.” I mean, cool, right?

Look by Shu Shu Tong
Tights by Wolford
Shoes by Kurt Geiger
Jewelry by S H Ʌ Y J E W E L R Y
*Feathers are Synthetic

As I got ready to chat with the intriguing Hollywood actor with such limitless potential for genuine greatness, I had a chance to preview her latest, The Strangers: Chapter 2, co-starring a terrific Gabriel Basso (The Night Agent). I’ll say this, as a movie watcher who literally believes everything I see on the screen, this film was almost too much to take (I scare very, very easily providing endless comedic material for many of my horror movie-loving friends). The latest installment of The Strangers is definitely among the scariest movies I’ve ever seen, so that’s amazing news for the massive global horror-genre audience for sure. I, however, may have to sleep with the light on for a good while. Best news about the film? Here again, Petsch is unflinchingly magnetic and so in the moment that the viewer, too, is completely immersed by her compelling portrayal.

She’s that good, folks. Unsurprisingly, Petsch is equally great in her next high-profile project, the film Maintenance Required (opening October 8). It’s time to state plainly what’s been evident for more than a decade: Madelaine Petsch is an extraordinarily talented actor, a thespian force of nature. And that has nothing to do with her genetics, but sheer work ethic and determination. So, yes, Madelaine Petsch is absolutely Hollywood’s next can’t-miss movie star. And that’s one thing that’s not scary at all. Not even a little.

Dress by Stella McCartney
Jewelry by Beladora Jewelry
“Benny the rescue dog”

Take me to the beginning of The Strangers. How did this project get made and how did you get involved?
I was offered The Strangers trilogy about 3 weeks before they were going into physical production, which is insane. I did a zoom with the producer and director and came to it with about 20 pages of notes and thoughts, we all had the same general idea of what we could do to really amplify the story and turn it up to a 10, so it just happened naturally that I came on board as a producer to creatively shape it more. I was really drawn to the producorial role and taking that step outside being strictly a working actor. I’ve been such a huge fan of the original strangers movie that I knew I had really big shoes to fill. I especially love the direction the story goes for movies 2 and 3, it’s so vastly different to the original and our first movie in terms of setting that it’s exciting that the world is finally going to be able to see it so soon!

How collaborative did you find the experience working with acclaimed movie director Renny Harlin—both as an actor and as the executive producer of the films?
The entire trilogy of films was such a collaborative experience between Renny, Courtney (our producer) and I, we referred to ourselves as the three headed monster. It was really lovely to be so heavily championed in a role like that not only as an actor and producer. My instincts were really celebrated on that set, it was a dream.

**Left:**
Look + Boots by Dolce and Gabbana
Necklace by A.JAFFE
Pendant by Loree Rodkin
**Right:**
Look + Boots by NINA RICCI
Earrings by Loree Rodkin
*Faux Fur accessory in photo

It’s so great that you got to work with co-star Gabriel Basso in a role so divergent from his good guy lead on Netflix’s The Night Agent. Did you two have natural chemistry from day one?
I’ve actually known Gabe for a long time so it was really nice to reunite with him on this one. He’s SUCH a talented actor, I feel truly lucky we got to do these movies together. The story between our characters is really tense, so it was essential to have that off screen trust as well. We definitely had natural chemistry in all the right ways for these films.

I still have these truly terrifying moments from the movie playing on a loop in my mind: Did you stay in character throughout the filming or where you able to disengage and find the humor in the process?
Often times when we all knew we got ‘the shot’ and the scene was over the tension could dispel and we could laugh at the intensity. I’d say I’m like 15% method so I need to stay in the moment when I’m physically on set or I feel like I’ll start overthinking everything.

For me, the aspect of the horror genre that’s most disconcerting is the ever-present psychological trauma the characters are enduring even as they’re invariably being hunted by an ax-wielding homicidal lunatic. I’m curious if your mental health was in play when you play out these roles?
I think the hardest thing about being in a horror film for the actor is the constant feeling of your body being in fight or flight. I realized on these movies that my body doesn’t know the difference, if you’re scared, you’re scared. So when I had those really intense fear scenes (which let’s be honest was basically the entire trilogy of films) I found my body couldn’t really ramp back down after a day of work. I’m sure my cortisol shot up while shooting too haha.

Dress by Stella McCartney
Jewelry by Beladora Jewelry
Shoes by Gia

You know we have to talk a bit about your seven-year star turn as Cheryl Blossom on THE CW’s dark smash teen series, Riverdale. I’ll say this: I can’t imagine anyone on the planet playing that role any better than you did. You were perfection. When you first read the script, did you say to yourself: “This is not at all like the Archie Comics!”
That’s so sweet of you to say, honestly Cheryl’s so iconic I’m so glad I was the person who got to breathe life into her. When I first read the script I just knew that the role was mine, when that happens, I’m like a dog with a bone I swear to god. And yes, I definitely knew this was nothing like Archie comics, I also could tell from the pilot just how special the project really was.

What was the best and worst part of inhabiting Cheryl Blossom. I mean, your character had, by far, the best lines in every episode. You read everyone for filth before reading for filth even became a thing.
The best part about inhabiting Cheryl was that it was truly never a dull moment for me, she was always complicated with about a hundred emotions bubbling beneath the surface, she was a rollercoaster, which is really fun for the actor playing that character. The hardest part (I won’t say the worst because nothing was the worst) was honestly probably the voice I did honestly. Getting back into doing her voice every year. I was always scared it wouldn’t sound the same. I didn’t even intentionally change my voice for the role season 1, it just happened, so then every season after I would have to check back in with myself and bring it back.

What may be my favorite thing question I’ve ever asked anyone: As a two- time winner—in non-consecutive years—of the Teen Choice Awards’ “Choice Hissy Fit” category, I need to know all about what that experience was like for you? I’d love to be even nominated in that category. [Laughs]
Hahahahah, I’m truly honored to be bringing up my two time streak as Teen Choice’s Choice Hissy Fit winner. What a time to be alive. I love Cheryl’s hissy fits. I remember when I first got nominated I actually did a real spit take. No one throws a hissy fit like Cheryl.

Coat by Sportmax
Jewelry by Messika
Shoes by SAINT LAURENT
Tights by Wolford

So, what’s the big career idea for you, do you think? Is there an actor’s trajectory you’d like to emulate, say an Anna Kendrick or Emma Stone?
Well, I’m really focusing on my production company right now, getting a robust slate together of projects that I think are unique and fresh takes on concepts we have seen before. I love producing and developing. It gives me the power to now create opportunities and not just wait for them. Outside of that I have a couple of things I’m realllllly excited about that should be announcing relatively soon (fingers crossed). In terms of actresses I love, It’s not just because she’s a red head, I swear, but I really love Emma Stones career, she found that perfect balance of projects that are so deliciously specific and left of center while still having great commercial successes and box office hits.

Tell me your dream project and your dream co-star.
Hmm.. I don’t have specifics like that. I’ve said recently that I’d love to join the MCU or DCU, playing an iconic redhead like Jean Grey, Barbara Gordon or honestly… POISON IVY. I'd also love to be in a Denis Villenueve-style sci fi epic or an A24 psychological drama. Outside of that I really just like to see what feels aligned with me in the moment, I know when a project is meant for me. I recently worked on an indie with a director who was such a dream boat and so creatively tuned in. I would love to work on some more projects where I’m working with someone who has an incredibly specific vision. I truly believe with art, boundaries are healthy, pressure makes diamonds. We need someone at the helm to steer the ship clearly, and now after having that, I’m craving more more more.

Complete this sentence for me: Madelaine Petsch is…
Just getting started.

Dress by MONSE
Shoes by Christian Louboutin
Jewelry by SWAROVSKI

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Madelaine Petsch
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Interview: Richard Pérez-Feria
Fashion Stylist: Janelle Miller at A-Frame Agency
Hair: Alyssa Maciel
Makeup: Jennifer Luney Tioseco at A-Frame Agency
Photography Assistants: Arthur Bryan Marroquin, Ozzie Gutierrez
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Special thanks to Hype Studios

Madelaine Petsch: Not A Stranger At All