Froy Gutierrez, who stars in The Strangers alongside Madelaine Petsch, prioritized developing a realistic and genuine romance between their characters for the movie. He wanted viewers to see that Ryan and Maya have a deep connection and love for each other, as well as a unique language and sense of humor. Gutierrez and Petsch instantly clicked on set, forming a strong bond that allowed them to portray their characters’ relationship authentically.
In addition to focusing on the romantic aspect of the story, Gutierrez wanted to highlight how Ryan’s love for Maya drives his actions throughout the film. Rather than just playing into the horror elements of the plot, Gutierrez aimed to play against those expectations and show a different side of his character. The storyline follows Ryan and Maya as they become trapped in a small town, facing off against masked killers while trying to survive the night in a cabin.
Gutierrez views Ryan’s character as being in an action movie, believing that he can ensure Maya’s safety and get them out of the dangerous situation they are in. As obstacles continue to arise in increasingly terrifying ways, Ryan’s determination to protect Maya is put to the test. Before the release of the film, Gutierrez admitted to feeling intimidated about working on such a renowned franchise and with a legendary director like Renny Harlin. He also mentioned that he had not seen the original 2008 version of The Strangers before booking the role.
Petsch, who plays Maya in the movie, is a horror fan and felt initially intimidated by the project as well. She revisited the original film to understand what made it so scary and identified the bone-chilling atmosphere as a key factor. Petsch appreciated the lack of jump scares in The Strangers films, focusing on the unsettling nature of the home invasion theme. She also discussed the challenges of filming three movies back-to-back but found a way to approach the project as one continuous story, making it easier to navigate the timeline of events.
Both Gutierrez and Petsch put a lot of effort into bringing their characters to life in The Strangers, emphasizing the depth and complexity of their relationship amidst the horror and suspense. They aimed to create a unique experience for viewers by adding new elements to the story while honoring the original film. The Strangers: Chapter 1 was released in theaters on Friday, May 17, giving audiences the chance to see the evolution of the franchise and experience the intensity of Ryan and Maya’s journey in a new light.
