Zachary Hing | The Asphyx

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

I got a self-tape request sent through my agent. I was asked to film two scenes: one with dialogue and one with movement. At the time, I was workshopping a new play at the Almeida Theatre in London and I filmed the scenes on my lunch break. A couple weeks later, I got invited to a Zoom call with director David Bruckner and pretty soon, I was on a flight to Belgrade to begin shooting. To this day, it’s without a doubt the most fun audition I’ve ever done.

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

There was one particular night of shooting that stands out to me: it’s the scene where the Asphyx breaks from their bindings and runs towards Riley (played by Odessa A’zion) and Colin (played by Adam Faison). I knew that was going to be the most challenging scene to shoot, given the physical requirement against the constriction of the suit, so it was even more satisfying when David texted me afterwards to say: “so… you fucking killed it tonight”.

We recently interviewed the screenwriters for the movie, and they both went on record to state that the Asphyx was their favourite Cenobite. Does that come as a surprise to you?

Really?! Ha ha ha, I’m not sure if I believe that. I bet they’ve said that about every Cenobite!

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

From what I can remember (it’s been a hot minute!), everything was kept to the script as I’d read it. It was less about ‘changes’ and more about how we were going to execute the scenes on the page.

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

Hmm, I guess I see the Asphyx as sort of Pinhead’s attack dog. The way they’re constantly bound (on a metaphorical ‘leash’), following Pinhead and the other Cenobites’ lead… waiting to be released and unleashed onto their target.

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

Odessa actually asked this question to David: “Who was The Asphyx… before they became The Asphyx?” David answered: “…an accountant.”

Besides your character of course, who would you say your favourite Cenobite is/was overall?

Ooh! Probably The Gasp (played by Selina Lo), a nod to the Female Cenobite (played by Grace Kirby) from the original 1987 film. If I had the opportunity to play another Cenobite, I’d probably choose that one.

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

One fan of the film actually came to see me on stage in My Neighbour Totoro at the Barbican Centre in London! Both the play and the film came out at the same time, so that was a pretty cool (and weird) crossover event. Shout-out to Chloe for supporting both projects!

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

An artist by the name of Chris McDermit painted an incredible portrait of me as The Asphyx. I was very honoured.

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

Ha ha ha, I guess it comes down to agility versus strength. The Asphyx is the only Cenobite who runs so maybe I could utilize my speed and dodge hits. But then again, I am 5 foot nothing and built like a twig so I’d probably get my ass handed to me by most of these guys. But to answer the question, I reckon I could take The Gasp, why not? (Just ignore the fact that the actress IRL is an actual trained martial artist.)

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

Y’all are gonna burn me at the stake for this but I’ve actually only seen the first three! Plus the 2022 iteration of course.

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

Y’know what? I’d actually love to see the Asphyx materialize in some form of dance and/or circus act. I trained in contortion for a couple years (shout-out to my school, London Dance Academy) and that’s what helped to land me the role in the first place. I’m inspired by unconventional, almost ‘grotesque’ movement and I’d love to pay homage to my training roots through this character.

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?

I mean I freaked the fuck out when I got the call from my agent to say I’d landed the role! As an actor, I was excited to book my first feature film… but as a horror nerd who grew up on Tumblr (connecting with fandom communities), I was even more excited to be part of an iconic horror franchise.

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

Yes, yes and yes.

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 know nothing! Ha ha ha, but if the opportunity presented itself – I’d absolutely want to return.

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

I’d love to explore the actual transformation sequence – when the ‘accountant’ (ha ha ha) initially in human-form turns into the Cenobite. That’d be pretty gnarly.

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

I wish I’d kept something!

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

I’m actually not a gamer but if any of my gaming pals have Hellraiser: Revival, I’ll hit ‘em up!

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

Whichever platform my gaming pals are on!

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

I don’t know what the future holds in store for me… I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!