TL;DR
- Hunter Doohan stars in Evil Dead Burn.
- He embraces his identity as a gay actor.
- Doohan connects with horror’s queer subtext.
- The film promises intense gore and thrills.
- He aims to inspire the next generation.
Hunter Doohan is not just another face in Hollywood; he’s carving out a niche as the new gay scream king, and honey, he’s doing it with style. Fresh off a 19-hour flight from Dublin, where he’s been filming the latest season of Netflix’s hit series Wednesday, Doohan is ready to take on the horror world with his role in Evil Dead Burn. This isn’t just any horror flick; it’s a blood-soaked journey into the dark, twisted realms of the infamous Evil Dead franchise, and Doohan is here for it.
As the cover star of Out magazine’s Love Issue, Doohan embodies the spirit of a new generation of actors who are unapologetically queer and fiercely talented. At 32, he’s already made waves with his performances in genre television and is now stepping into the spotlight of mainstream horror. “I feel super lucky, and it’s so nice to work with people where it’s like not even a thought in their head. Me being out and open was never a detriment to me playing the part of Joseph, who is not gay in the film,” he says, proving that representation matters.
Doohan’s character, Joseph, ties back to the franchise’s lore, adding a family connection that hardcore fans will appreciate. He’s not just slaying demons; he’s doing it while being an openly gay man in a genre that has historically sidelined queer actors. “There are plenty of scream queens and final girls, but hardly any ‘final boys,'” he points out, highlighting the need for more representation in horror.
With Evil Dead Burn set to unleash its carnage this July, Doohan is ready for the challenge. “I was literally jumping up and down when I got the call,” he recalls, excitement radiating from his words. The film promises to be the most vicious entry yet, and Doohan’s commitment to his craft is evident as he dives deep into the franchise’s lore. “I was all over the Wiki and learning everything I could about the Kandarian Dagger and everything I could get my hands on,” he reveals.
But it’s not just about the horror for Doohan. His journey is also about inspiring the next generation of queer youth. “I’ve had several encounters from young queer fans coming up to me, and they’d said really sweet things. That always means so much,” he shares. By stepping into roles that challenge norms and expectations, he’s becoming the kind of role model he once looked up to as a kid.
As he continues to navigate the treacherous waters of Hollywood, Doohan remains committed to his craft and to breaking down barriers for LGBTQ+ representation. With his sights set on more diverse roles and even directing, he’s not just a scream king; he’s a beacon of hope for anyone who dares to dream big. “I feel like I play a lot of really tortured souls… I need to do a rom-com. Let’s get a musical going,” he jokes, hinting at the versatility that lies ahead.
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In a world where horror often reflects societal fears, Doohan’s presence is a reminder that queer voices are essential to the narrative. As he steps into the blood-soaked shoes of Joseph in Evil Dead Burn, he’s not just making a name for himself; he’s paving the way for others to follow. And that, darling, is something to scream about.