The Physical Toll of Portraying a Possessed Teacher: Justin Long's Experience on 'Goosebumps'
Actor Justin Long discusses the grueling physical demands of his role as a possessed teacher on 'Goosebumps' Prepare to be amazed by the toll it took on his body! (287 characters)
Justin Long in ‘Goosebumps.’ Disney/David Astorga
Justin Long has been thoroughly enjoying his time on the set of Goosebumps. However, his portrayal of English teacher Nathan Bratt has presented him with some physical obstacles. In a recent interview with We, just before the season finale on Friday, November 17, the 45-year-old actor candidly discussed the challenges of filming the scenes where his character is taken over by the ghost of teenager Harold Biddle.
"The show provided me with ample freedom to delve into the physicality of constantly switching between different characters. It was a groundbreaking experience for me as I truly experienced the repercussions and physiological effects of such intense physicality," Long shared with Us. "To cope with the strain, I started seeking regular adjustments from a chiropractor in Vancouver. However, over time, my body eventually started feeling the toll."
The actor clarified that his health issues were not solely attributed to this particular job but were also a result of his extensive filmography. He admitted, "I believe it wasn't just this role, but rather all the previous ones where I neglected proper stretching and maintenance. I simply wasn't prioritizing those practices. I guess it was the arrogance of youth."
Goosebumps, which premiered in October, follows a group of five teenagers who unintentionally unleash supernatural forces. In the middle of the first season, the main characters find themselves trapped in Harold's mind, and with the assistance of Mr. Bratt, they manage to escape.
Ultimately, Mr. Bratt regains control of his own body. However, during this process, Long portrays the character by being thrown against lockers and attempting to physically fight his way out. Drawing from this experience, Mr. Bratt makes a significant error by bringing back Slappy the Dummy and resurrecting Kanduu in order to create an ending for his book series.
Long attempted to justify Mr. Bratt's controversial decision, which caused chaos in the fictional town of Port Lawrence. "I think it's possible that Harold Biddle's influence on him may have had an impact. It could explain why he became more reactive and made a questionable deal with the devil in the last episode. I wonder if Harold Biddle and Slappy played a part in that," Long mentioned to Us. "I just wanted to provide an explanation, because when you're dealing with these narrative shifts and body swapping, you have to try to rationalize them and maintain consistency."
Long found it fascinating how Mr. Bratt's reasoning ultimately boiled down to a case of writer's block gone haywire.
He expressed his understanding of the struggle to find a satisfying ending, having experienced it himself while writing. He emphasized the importance of establishing clear stakes that highlighted Mr. Bratt's strong desire to succeed. Being a renowned writer, this endeavor held great significance for him, impacting both his ego and sense of purpose. Long observed that Mr. Bratt's determination escalated to the point where he was willing to exhume a body and go to extreme lengths to achieve his goals.
During the season finale, viewers witnessed Mr. Bratt's profound shock as he realized the dire consequences his decisions almost had, in which Kanduu threatened to annihilate the entire town. However, Mr. Bratt's predicaments are far from resolved, as he now appears to be under the possession of Kanduu.
On the other hand, Long eagerly embraces the challenge of portraying a transformed Mr. Bratt, consumed by a much darker force. "It would be an enjoyable experience to delve into a completely different character and grapple with the takeover by such a distinct persona," the actor expressed. "In this instance, [Kanduu] assumes the role of a true tyrant and an extremely self-absorbed individual. In contrast, I believe Harold was merely a bewildered and misguided teenager."
Long is excited about the potential direction of the layered character's story, despite Mr. Bratt's mistakes. He expressed his support for the exploration of the psychological aftermath of being possessed and the struggle of regaining control of one's body. Long found it intriguing and even amusing to delve into such a concept, hoping that the storyline would continue in that path.
Long, who had not previously read R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books, was instantly intrigued by the script and felt compelled to tell Mr. Bratt's story.
"Horror, in general, provides a greater opportunity for creative exploration and allows for more daring character development. In this case, we have an adult who becomes possessed by the spirit of Biddle," Long shared with Us. "It was fascinating to delve into the theme of teenage alienation and how it can lead to feelings of loneliness and invisibility. Sometimes, these emotions can manifest in harmful ways."
He concluded, "Playing a teenager was truly enjoyable. I have a strong affinity for youthful characters, but this experience was unique. It allowed me to delve into the constraints as well as the liberation of being a teenager."
Stream all episodes of the first season of Goosebumps now on Disney+ and Hulu.
