Introduction
From legendary director Chuck Russell (A Nightmare on Elm Street 3, The Mask), Witchboard resurrects the ’80s horror classic with a chilling new vision. In present-day New Orleans, a cursed artifact unleashes a vengeful witch, drawing a young couple into a deadly spiral of possession, temptation, and occult terror.
Interview
Cinema Scholars’ own Glen Dower recently interviewed actors Elisha and Renee Herbert about their new supernatural/horror film Witchboard, directed by Chuck Russell. Witchboard will be released in theaters on August 15, from The Avenue and Atlas Distribution.
Lightly edited for content and clarity.
Glen Dower:
Elisha and Renee Herbert, how are we doing, ladies?
Renee Herbert:
Hi! We’re doing amazing!
Elisha Herbert:
Yes, amazing!
Glen Dower:
Excellent. So, Witchboard, a film about a sinister spirit board that raises the dead, unleashes witches, and is rated R for strong violence, bloody gore, nudity, and sexual violence. What more could you want from a horror movie?
Renee Herbert:
I know, right?
Glen Dower:
What were your first reactions when you saw the film?
Renee Herbert:
Honestly, we expected it to be darker, eerier, more traditionally scary. But it had so many layers. There’s horror, yes, but also humor, romance, action—it’s like a full-on rollercoaster. We were surprised by how entertaining and even funny it was at times.
Glen Dower:
Agree. There were moments I thought we were heading into Final Destination territory with those gnarly set pieces—and then it would flip into something romantic, or witty. And then BAM! Right back to the horror.
Renee Herbert:
Exactly! And those elaborate fight scenes? The restaurant scene left us shocked. And with Chuck directing, you never really know what to expect. He always subverts expectations in the best way. If you think someone’s about to die, he’ll flip it. It’s so unique and creative. We respected that.
Glen Dower:
Of course, you’re referring to Chuck Russell—director of The Mask and Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. Were you familiar with his work before joining Witchboard?
Renee Herbert:
Yes! We were so excited. We felt honored to be working with him. He’s just the kindest, most considerate director. He truly cares about his actors and creates a supportive environment on set.
Glen Dower:
Let’s talk characters. You play the Ashes—mysterious, seductive, and dangerous femme-fatale henchwomen of the film’s villain. For our readers, you’re like the gothic, burlesque-flavored lieutenants of chaos. That must have been such a ride. Could you tell me about the costumes? They looked incredible.
Renee Herbert:
Oh, it was so much fun! Chuck is collaborative and meticulous. He gave us so much creative input. We played around with wigs and hairstyles, and he actually loved our natural hair at first—but we wanted to feel transformed, like we were stepping into different beings. The wigs, the branding tattoos, the dark makeup—it all just added so much to the characters.
Elisha Herbert:
Yeah, the looks were very witchy. The outfits made us feel badass. Honestly, probably the most badass we’ve ever felt!
Glen Dower:
Without giving away too much, you get into some serious action later in the film. There’s a major showdown with Jamie Campbell Bower’s villain, Alexander, and you both are in the thick of it. How was that experience—especially the fight choreography?
Renee Herbert:
It was our first time doing choreographed fight scenes, so we were nervous—but it actually came really naturally and ended up being so much fun. I even told the team, “I don’t care if I get whiplash—I want to go all in!”
Elisha Herbert:
We were begging to do all our stunts ourselves, but some of them were a little too intense. There’s one bit with a chair…we tried it, but the fall looked terrible because they were trying to protect us!
Renee Herbert:
Yeah, they had us just kind of “fall gently,” and it didn’t look right, so a pro had to step in. But the overall experience was amazing. Slitting throats, taking names—it was super empowering and satisfying in this twisted, cinematic way.
Glen Dower:
And of course, that final act—you’re in the room as everything comes to a head. Emily, Blake, Alexander…everyone’s together. What was it like filming that scene?
Renee Herbert:
It was the first scene we shot! So it’s funny—it was the end of the movie, but the beginning of our filming. That made it kind of special, because it brought everyone together from the start.
Elisha Herbert:
Yeah, and Chuck was just throwing out ideas, getting us to try new things. It was super collaborative.
Renee Herbert:
Everyone supported each other. We’d all be watching each other’s takes like, “That was sick!” The energy was positive and creative.
Glen Dower:
Let’s talk about Jamie Campbell Bower. Our readers know him from Stranger Things, Twilight, and Harry Potter—the guy’s done it all. What was it like working with him?
Renee Herbert:
His energy made the movie. He brought the horror. Like, just being around him on set made everything feel darker, creepier, more real. And he stays in that headspace—he had his headphones in, very focused, very in character.
Elisha Herbert:
Yeah, he’s not overly chatty on set—he’s in the zone. But also the sweetest guy when the cameras aren’t rolling. And that voice…
Renee Herbert:
Yes! His voice is like an instrument. That deep, Vecna-style voice? Just incredible.
Glen Dower:
Five stars for Jamie, then. Now, horror fans—were you fans of the genre before this?
Renee Herbert:
I was kind of traumatized by horror as a kid. Our mom wouldn’t let us watch anything scary, so we’d sneak them at our grandma’s place. I was probably 12, and it left a mark!
Elisha Herbert:
But now we love it. I feel like being exposed to horror early kind of desensitized us. We’re into the gore now!
Glen Dower:
Alright, my top three: The Thing, Predator, Halloween. Classics.
Renee Herbert:
Ooh! Love the OGs. The Shining, Rosemary’s Baby, The Birds—all so good and creepy. If we’re talking newer stuff: Hereditary, The Blair Witch Project—just brilliant, especially how real it felt.
Elisha Herbert:
Yeah, Rosemary’s Baby is such a good one. The tension, the pacing—still unmatched.
Glen Dower:
Incredible picks. Now, a quick one outside of movies. You’re originally from Australia, and the government recently passed a law restricting social media for those under 16. Curious to hear your thoughts—especially given your presence on social platforms.
Renee Herbert:
Wait, what? I didn’t know that! Honestly… part of me agrees with it. Social media can be super harmful when you’re young—it’s such a formative time.
Elisha Herbert:
Yeah, we were exposed to things at a young age that maybe we weren’t ready for. But at the same time, banning it outright might make kids rebel. It’s a tricky one.
Renee Herbert:
Exactly. I think it should be up to the parents, not the government. But I do understand where it’s coming from. Australia’s always been strict—but sometimes, in a good way.
Glen Dower:
Last one—why should people see Witchboard? Your pitch, your floor!
Renee Herbert:
It feels like a throwback in the best way. Chuck kept that nostalgic ’90s style, even with all the CGI advances available. It feels authentic—creepy, fun, classic.
Elisha Herbert:
And it’s an independent film—so supporting it means something. Plus, it’s just a great time at the movies. A total theater experience.
Renee Herbert:
Like Harry Styles said—it’s a movie movie. And Chuck’s a director director.
Glen Dower:
That’s the tagline right there! Thank you both—this has been such a pleasure. Witchboard hits theaters August 15. Don’t miss it!
Elisha Herbert:
Thank you, Glen!
Renee Herbert:
Thanks so much—bye!
