Damon Carney | Sean Carter / The Preceptor

Can you tell us how you came on board Hellraiser: Judgment? What was the audition process like?

Judgment was being filmed in Oklahoma City where I have a very good relationship with the casting director Chris Freihofer. He called me in to audition for Pinhead. They originally wanted the lead of Sean Carter to be an actor with name and face recognition but I guess because of budgetary restrictions they were unable to sign one. Chris recommended they take a look at me for the lead. I refer to myself as always the bridesmaid never the bride.

My acting journey has been one of day player, co-star, guest star, but never the lead. So I was thrilled to finally have an opportunity to be number one on the call sheet. I auditioned for Sean and was immediately approved by production and thus began our journey.

Were you already a Hellraiser fan before being cast?

I was a freshman in college when the original Hellraiser was released. I was born and raised in a small town in East Texas with very limited world views and experiences. So needless to say when 18 year old Damon saw Hellraiser, it was utterly frightening, disturbing, and exhilarating. So yeah! I was a fan of the original because the story was there. It was much more than just blood and guts. More on that in my answers to the following questions.

When you first read the script, what stood out to you about Sean Carter?

This leads to my point in the previous answer. When I read the script it came across as Seven meets Pinhead. Which critics have referenced. That’s the way my wife also viewed it. I think had Gary’s vision been allowed to breathe that could have worked. But the studio decided to enhance the gore and limit the story. Which I completely understand.

I think it’s an amazing film. Shot in 10 days with a budget of $350,000. It doesn’t get much better…unless you allow the story to breathe.

How early did you realise that Sean was, in fact, the serial killer known as The Preceptor?

It wasn’t until the end that I caught on. Sean comes across as a nice guy. A deep thinker. A husband. A veteran of the military and police force. A man who cares. And that’s the way I tried to portray him. Bad guys don’t know they are bad.

How did you prepare mentally for such a psychologically demanding role?

Honestly I took what I know to be my daily life and then gave into the fantasy that many of us have: vengeance, rage, retribution. He’s literally a detective, taking the law into his own hands.

Anyone else have those fantasies? Okay! Maybe it’s just me. 🙂

How much backstory did you create for Sean beyond what was on the page?

I really didn’t have to. His back story is that of so many “regular” guys. The backstory I really had to think about was the tipping point between “normal” frustrations and fantasies that turn into “unhealthy” psychological disasters.

Did your interpretation of Sean change during production?

Not really. I knew him pretty well before we began filming. There was a moment half way through production when Sean is confronted by his wife in the kitchen. It was a Michael Douglas moment for me from FALLEN DOWN when he says “I’m the bad guy?” Again, bad guys don’t see themselves as bad. That’s how they are able to lay their head on their pillow and rest at night.

Was it challenging to portray Sean’s moral descent while also embodying his sinister Preceptor side?

No, because in his mind there was no moral decent.

What’s your favourite memory from filming Hellraiser: Judgment?

All of it. Seriously. Being number one on the call sheet for the first and only time in my career was exhilarating. I was never sitting around waiting for them to get to my scenes. As a co-star or guest star it’s a lot of hurry up and wait. I was filming every day, all day, in almost every scene. A complete and utter dream come true.

Did you take a memento from the set? If not which prop or costume piece from the film would you have loved to keep?

No. But I wish I had. On the last day of filming I was in such a scramble to finish up and head home for an unexpected emergency that I didn’t think to ask for a memento. I wasn’t able to attend the wrap party. Such is life. I totally would have kept the leather jacket. And who doesn’t want THE BOX!!

Were there any deleted or alternate scenes you wish had made it into the final cut?

There was a scene where the Auditor is questioning Sean. Gary, the director, writer, and actor who played the Auditor had called and spoken to my mother unbeknownst to me. Well, as the Auditor is questioning Sean he starts saying things that only me and my mother would know. It completely freaked me out. I would’ve loved to have seen that footage because I didn’t break character. I take that back. I did break character once when he said something so ridiculous from my past that I burst out laughing.

What was your reaction the first time you saw the Cenobites in full makeup on set?

Total freaking amazement. Gary and Mike Regan are master craftsmen. All REAL effects.

Sean essentially becomes Heaven’s equivalent of a Cenobite. If the filmmakers had given you a full visual transformation – similar to how Chatterer represents Hell’s side – what do you imagine Heaven’s foot soldier would have looked like?

HellBoy minus the horns and with badass angel wings!

Let’s imagine an alternate universe where Hellraiser: Judgment gets a spin-off series. Sean Carter is brought back by Heaven to continue carrying out its judgment under the guidance of an angel, sometimes working alongside – and sometimes against – the forces of Hell. First of all, what would you call the series? Would you want it to lean more into psychological horror, almost Saw-like, or would you prefer to explore the detective and supernatural crime-solving aspects? And finally, if Carter ever came face-to-face with God, who would be your dream casting for the role?

Heavens Wrath.

I would prefer to explore the detective and the supernatural crime solving aspect.

He’s already done it once and he’s done it very well. Who else but Morgan Freeman.

Judgment explores Christian religion quite directly. What are your thoughts on how the film approached those divisive themes?

Everything is divisive. As it should be. Everything should be questioned. Even Christ himself questioned his own father in the garden Gethsemane.

If Sean Carter and The Auditor found themselves sharing a few drinks at a bar, what do you think they’d end up talking about? Deep theological debates, or just complaining about how difficult and shitty their respective co-workers are?

They would talk about anything and everything. The more beers they had the sillier it would get. I think these two are fun drunks. It’s only when they’re sober that they’re dangerous.

Do you feel there would be more to explore with Sean in a possible sequel?

Absolutely! Don’t we all want to know what happened to Brad Pitt’s character the next day, month, year, in the movie Seven? I certainly do.

If you could return to the Hellraiser universe in any role, would you revisit Sean, play a Cenobite, or create someone entirely new?

Revisit Sean.

Looking back, what did Hellraiser: Judgment teach you as an actor?

That I can do this. I finally had a chance to play the lead. You always think you can but you never really know until you actually do it. Now, how well I did is up for debate but I certainly feel I handled my own.

What’s the most interesting question a Hellraiser fan has asked you?

What was that slimy stuff they poured down your throat?

Egg whites, and sugar.

Have you yourself seen all eleven Hellraiser movies – If not, which ones have you not seen or actively avoided?

I only watched the first one, the second one, and of course, Hellraiser: Judgment.

It wasn’t a matter of avoiding them. It was a matter of my taste changing. Becoming a husband. Becoming a father.

Hellraiser has been experiencing a real renaissance, with the 2022 reboot and the upcoming Hellraiser: Revival, introducing the franchise to a whole new generation of fans. Does it bring you joy to see the series continue to thrive, and how does it feel to know you are now part of such an enduring and fascinating legacy?

I’m flattered and truly grateful for being just a small part of an enduring franchise. I think anytime a resurgence of anything that brings people joy and entertainment is a good thing. Life is hard and anytime we can grab a little joy that isn’t harmful ourselves or others I’m all for it.

Pinhead and all members of the Stygian Inquisition and the legacy Cenobites are in a boxing-ring, who comes out on top and why?

Definitely not Pinhead. Have you seen that guy move? Slow as hell. 🙂

Are you a gamer yourself? If not, will you experience Hellraiser: Revival hands-on yourself?

I am not.

It’s certainly a possibility though because my son is a gamer.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming video game? Anything in particular you’d like to see?

Not my thing so I will defer to the experts.

Is there a dream role or genre you haven’t had the chance to explore yet?

Would love to play the lead in a romantic comedy. I’ve written a romcom loosely based on my 35 years of marriage and our journey navigating the world of acting, raising kids, and trying to make it all work. Hopefully I can find funding. For those interested in the concept follow me @damoncarneyofficial on Instagram.

What can fans look forward to seeing from you next – any exciting upcoming projects?

Nothing at the moment. My last gig was on Taylor Sheridan’s 1923. I played Dr. Andrew Henderson in the season finale of season two. It was another one of those pinch me moments working with Harrison Ford. A surreal experience looking directly into the eyes of THE MAN himself and acting opposite him. 🙂

Thank you all for your time. I wish you all the very best and many moments of captured joy.