When you began working in film and television, what steps did you take to achieve the goal of becoming an actor in the industry before that time?
Paul: It was pretty immediate. I already had a commercial agent before I did any movies. I was the cute, weirdo guy, not really commercial. (Laughs) I recall her contacting me and asking if I wanted to audition for a Robert Rodriguez film, and I said of course! I would be crazy not to.
It turned out to be Sin City, and I made him laugh at the audition. He liked me but obviously wanted to hurt me. I have my arm broken in three places in the movie. (Laughs) So, I’m suddenly in this huge film and I went to see it about six times. I was so excited that I went six times to see the scene and my name in the end credits, because it was the biggest thing I’ve ever done.
What was Rodriguez like on the set? I’ve heard so many great stories about him, like maybe one moment he’ll pull out a guitar and start playing behind the monitor.
Paul: Oh my god, YES! I went in for my scene, which was a green screen at Troublemaker Studios. I walk in, and all of these worker bees doing his job, and there’s Robert strumming his guitar. He’s so laid back and so smart.
I’m actually a huge fan of this lesser known film of his, but when you worked on Super with James Gunn, did you see anything that would make you think that one day he would be working on massive blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy?
Paul: Not at all. He was a fun, quirky guy. I LOVE Slither, but I didn’t really know too much about him at the time. But he was quirky and strange, but very funny. Plus, he’s brilliant, but no, I would never expect that.
Were you always a fan of horror, or is this new territory for you?
Paul: Oh, yeah! I think it started with Halloween for me, and I loved dressing up every year. I think the first movie that I saw was the made for TV movie Trilogy of Terror. Oh my god, the Zuni Fetish Doll! And Karen Black was incredible, of course. That scared the hell out of me.
And horror became a passion for you after that experience?
Paul: Oh, yeah. As far as Hellraiser, I remembered fragments of it because I was in a different time in my life, let’s say. (Laughs) But I did recently buy the set and I watched all of them in the past couple of years. I have a deep respect and appreciation for what Doug [Bradley] brought to the role, and the original Hellraiser is a work of art. I love it!