Exclusive Interview: James Jude Courtney Talks Halloween And Playing Michael Myers

When the original was released in 1978 it was a game-changer for the genre, but in the climate that we live in now with intense female victimization, this new one does have that feel to it. Did you feel that in any way when reading the script yourself?

James Jude Courtney: Absolutely. I absolutely did, and when it comes to Jamie Lee and I have said this before, she is just powerful. She’s a little quirky, self-deprecating with her humor, and has a spine. During this time of empowering females, mainly young females, here’s this film about empowerment. I think the timing for this couldn’t be better.

It was definitely a tone that was front and center. It was more grounded and realistic.

James Jude Courtney: Yeah! And I found it really beautiful that they gave her the scars, you know? Having her have to deal with alcoholism and how she treated her daughter is very contemporary. I did see in the film the subtle humor and the terror that they were creating with the Strode family. When I read the script I knew it was very special. When I became Michael I didn’t read anything, not even the call sheets. I was just prepared to get into the headspace and let it rip.

What was your interaction with other cast members like on the set?

James Jude Courtney: When I was me I had a great time. I didn’t have much interaction with Judy but Andi is a remarkable woman. She is grounded and intelligent. We had a lot of fun together. But the first week I stayed away from Jamie. I wanted to allow her the space to approach me, and one day she did and we got to talk about the process we were about to do together. It was awesome.

You recently attended the fortieth anniversary in Pasadena, what was that experience like?

James Jude Courtney: The fans were overwhelmingly generous and kind, and it was a great experience. It was a moment of love and happiness. All of the other guys were awesome to me, and I was approached by Dick Warlock and Tyler (Mane) and it was awesome. They really went out of their way to make me feel like a part of a legacy. The experience was most certainly a gift.

 James, I cannot tell you what an honor this was to speak with you and congrats on the new Halloween and your role in it.

James Jude Courtney: This has been great, brother. Thank you.