Though the film career of Nick Castle goes well beyond his involvement in the Halloween franchise, the Major Payne and The Last Starfighter helmsman admits that his role in John Carpenter’s 1978 horror classic remains his most celebrated gig. And though he finds it a little strange that things have turned out this way, it seems that Castle has also been enjoying the ride that his turn as Michael Myers has offered him.
Castle has previously gone on record claiming that the only reason he agreed to play the lead killer of the first Halloween movie was to pick up a few directing tips, and in an interview with ComicBook.com, the actor reflected on the irony that this role is still so fondly remembered by many.
“I just find it to be just ironic that I have such a loyal fan following for something that was just so off-handed. It seems like it’s a perfect metaphor for careers in this business,” Castle said. “It becomes very strange. I’m sure that this will be on my tombstone rather than any of the movies I directed or wrote. I don’t mean to say I did not take a hold of this thing and have fun with it. I do. I have a lot of fun with it, but I find it totally ironic.”
Castle’s statements echo those made by Jamie Lee Curtis last year, when the actress admitted, “Despite writing books for children, all of my advocacy, all of my politics, all of my own personal journey, my legacy will be Halloween.”
Still, there are worse things than being remembered for one of the most beloved and influential slasher movies of all time, and it’s clear that Castle has found much to appreciate in his continuing fame as the original Michael Myers.
“I think it’s fun. It’s pretty great to have an action figure of yourself, for instance. Who gets to have that? Not a lot of people,” Castle admitted. “I have a lot of fun with all my pals talking about it. Of course, in the last half dozen years, I’ve been going to horror conventions and finally meeting the fans on this and having a real blast with it. You get to meet ’em all, you could say, and you get some money too. So it’s been a rather unusual but, in the long run, just a really fun ride.”
The ride continued last year when Castle reprised his most famous role in David Gordon Green’s Halloween, albeit only for a quick cameo, with the majority of Michael’s scenes going to James Jude Courtney. What’s more, the actor has also mentioned to ComicBook.com that he’d “love to” come back for the next sequel, and while it remains unclear which other cast members will return for the follow-up, at least Castle’s old friend Carpenter seems game to compose the score once again.
