Jason Liles | The Chatterer (2022)

How did you get the role of the ‘Chatterer and what was the audition process like?

It came through as an audition from my manager. It was called “The Box” and the role was “Clacker.” Obviously, those were fake names. They asked me to record my audition and submit it a by a certain time a few days later. I set up an appointment with a self tape place I like to go to called Intrepid Tapes.

I reached out to a coach named Lorin Salm who is a mime master, knowing this character didn’t speak. They asked me to do two scenes: one of Chatterer and one of The Gasp with dialogue and for me to do it AS Chatterer. I posted it on my Instagram page. A few days later I heard I was one of the final choices. Then, a couple days after that I got a call from my manager and agents that I got the part and would be flying to Serbia for 10 weeks.

I was SO excited. I got to video chat with director David Bruckner, he showed me the concept art, and it had my jaw dropped. Then, we did fittings and all and flew to Serbia a couple months later and began filming.

What are your favourite on-set memories and on-screen moments for Hellraiser (2022)?

So many. Chatterer actually only had 3 scenes he shows up in. The first one is where he’s in the apartment for just a moment. That was so hot in there. Next, was the overnight shoot for the scene by the gate. That was the most challenging and the most fun; just me, Odessa, and Drew. Last, we did the scene with the Priest where we rip Aoife’s back off with the chains in her.That set was really cool.

3 really quick and awesome moment/scenes. Honestly, my favorite moments were OFF set. The time exploring the city with the cast, hanging out at the hotel, all going together to the best restaurants in the city, those memories with them as friends were the most special moments. I guess I’d say equally as important.

Was there anything about your scenes that changed significantly between script and filming for the Chatterer? Or perhaps any scenes that were completed but not present in the final cut?

No I actually don’t think so. For me, everything in the script is exactly what you see in the film.

With your own canon or insight, what do you see Chatterers role as in Pinhead’s ‘Gash’ and how would you describe their relationship with the other Cenobites?

I saw it as Chatterer being Priest’s main muscle. Her right hand Cenobite. He leading general. And I don’t think he actually leads the other Cenobites. I thought of us as individual players on Priest’s team with separate roles. Chatterer is devoted to Priest how a cardinal is to the Pope.

Were you given a backstory for the Chatterer? Or have you created your own canon for how they came to be?

I just used what was already out there that Nicholas Vince and Clive Barker created. I wanted to stick to what was already established and respect that while going in the new director David Bruckner wanted to take the characters and lore.

Chatterer met his demise when he was stabbed with the configuration and torn apart with Pinhead’s chains. Was this the end of the Chatterer? What do you theorise or know of what became of him?

When someone is taken by the chains (like Voight at the end) it doesn’t mean they’re dead. They just get taken for enhancements and alterations. I’d bet that Chatterer is just Frankensteined together with new enhancements.

Did you feel any particular pressure or expectations of taking on and reimagining such an iconic character?

None really. Just excitement to play a character that people have already loved as long as I’ve been alive. The original came out the same year that I was born: 1987.

What’s the most memorable fan encounter you’ve had related to Hellraiser?

I’d actually say the 2 times I’ve seen and spoken with Doug Bradley. He was so curious the first time before the film came out and has so many questions. And he remembered me a year later and told me everything he thought about the film for 15 minutes straight without me asking a single question. It was awesome. It’s not really a “fan” encounter, but it is since I’m the fan of him and being Chatterer made the interactions so unique.

Have you ever seen a cosplay or fan-art of the Chatterer that blew you away?

I haven’t seen one in person I don’t think, but I’ve seen some online. People go all out and it’s so cool. Most are of Chatterer I played but of the older versions. Which I’m honored to be at all a part of.

The Chatterer is in a boxing-ring with all the other Cenobites, which ones does he defeat and are there any he would struggle against or lose to?

In my mind, no other Cenobite can defeat Chatterer. In our version, he is THE muscle and the only one superior to him is the Priest.

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

I’ve actually only seen the first 2. I watched them when I was auditioning and got the part and then dive into our script and the other inspirations I had and spoke about director David Bruckner.

Is there a particular form or medium you would love to see the Chatterer materialise in?

I’m biased and love his design in our film. I’d have to pick that one. But it’s so hard to beat the original, if it’s even possible.

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 now be a part of such an enduring and fascinating legacy?

Oh absolutely. I’m so grateful to be a part of a franchise that people have loved all over the world for so many films since the year I was born. What a blessing!

Would you ever pick up the Chatterer costuming again if ever presented with the opportunity?

Not just for fun haha it’s too much to get into and I’d need multiple people helping me get into it. But if they wanted to do it one time for a shoot or something, I’d consider it. And if he got to be in another film, for sure.

A sequel to Hellraiser (2022) is a hot topic amongst the fandom. What do you know of a future sequel, and will you want to return?

I’d for sure return if I could, as Chatterer or even another Cenobite. That’s the great part about being unrecognizable in the costume. I haven’t heard anything about a sequel actually getting made. Pretty much everyone wants to from what I know, but it’s a matter of finding those tens of millions to make it.

Is there anything you’d like to be explored with the Chatterer in a future sequel? Any cool sequences or story moments for them?

Director David Bruckner and I talked briefly about a Chatterer standalone movie one day on set. I’d be SO down for it. Especially if David directed. I’ll be in ANYthing David makes.

What happened with all the prosthetic pieces and costume garb that comprised the Chatterer? Do you still have any items personally, or are there any pieces you wish you could have kept?

I’m pretty sure SFX makeup heads Josh and Sierra Russell have it all.

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

Totally a gamer!! I’ve had every Nintendo system and handheld since Gameboy and NES. Plus, some of the XBOXs and most PlayStations. If it’s great, I’ll probably check it out. There are so many games these days, it’s gotta be AMAZING if I’m gonna get it. There are so many amazing games I still haven’t played and probably won’t ever have time for.

Which platform will you be playing the game on – Playstation, PC or Xbox?

I’d play it on PS5.

Where can fans look forward to seeing you next – whether on-screen, on stage, in-print or at upcoming conventions?

Nothing I can talk about yet, but definitely keep an eye on the next 12-24 months. Grateful to be looking at some super exciting things