Q&A: Linden Porco on Playing The Leprechaun in LEPRECHAUN RETURNS and Working on CHANNEL ZERO: BUTCHER’S BLOCK

After giving horror fans plenty of nightmare fuel from his performance in Channel Zero: Butcher's Block, Linden Porco returns to deliver more scares as the titular character in Leprechaun Returns. Ahead of the film's December 11th release on Digital and On Demand from Lionsgate, we caught up with Porco in our latest Q&A feature to discuss bringing the iconic horror icon back to life, putting The Leprechaun's eerie makeup effects to good use, and his experiences working with Nick Antosca and the cast members of Channel Zero: Butcher's Block.

Hi Linden, thanks for taking the time to catch up with us, and congratulations on playing the title role in Leprechaun Returns! What was the audition process like for The Leprechaun?

Linden Porco: Thank you for having me! The audition process was good. I auditioned the first time and then proceeded to wait a month for a Skype audition with [director] Steven Kostanski and [producer] Lance Samuels. Another two weeks went by and I got the email from my agent saying I got the part. I studied the accent for quite a long time to perfect it, and had a lot of fun preparing for the audition because the reward was that I got the part!

Leprechaun Returns marks the eighth entry in the Leprechaun franchise, which features Warwick Davis as the iconic lead character in six movies. Were you a fan of the franchise before joining it, and how did you set out to give The Leprechaun your own unique portrayal and personality?

Linden Porco: So, I have heard of the franchise and Warwick Davis, but to be honest I am very scared of horror! I just wanted it to be fun and go after it. I brought my physicality to the character and embodied the role.

The makeup effects for your character are top-notch. What was it like working beneath the makeup effects and utilizing them to make The Leprechaun as creepy as possible?

Linden Porco: Yes, it was so much fun to play this role. The prosthetics team was amazing. Nicola Bendrey and Graham Chivers were such a blast. I always looked forward to the first three hours in the morning. I sometimes forgot I was even in the makeup while we were in between takes.

What was the most challenging or rewarding part of playing The Leprechaun?

Linden Porco: I think the most rewarding thing was the rum and Coke at the end of the shoot because I knew I put my heart and soul into the role.

Looking back at your time on set, is there a favorite or funny moment in particular that stands out?

Linden Porco: I remember sitting in a cast van on set, on one of my days off, and Taylor Spreitler, Pepi Sonuga, Sai Bennett, and I just started to break out into song. Singing whatever came into our heads. Was a great moment, when everyone was feeling exhausted. I’m smiling just thinking about it!

Would you be open to playing The Leprechaun in future movies?

Linden Porco: Yes! I would love to.

In addition to Leprechaun Returns, you had a great role in Channel Zero: Butcher’s Block, working alongside Rutger Hauer, Olivia Luccardi, and other very talented actors. What was that experience like, and would you be open to returning for future installments of Channel Zero if the series gets renewed?

Linden Porco: Yes, it was amazing working on that series as well. Nick Antosca is a genius. I had so much fun working with everyone on the set of Channel Zero. I would love to come back. I actually keep in touch with Olivia on a regular basis.

With Leprechaun Returns coming to Digital and On Demand beginning December 11th from Lionsgate, do you have any other projects coming up that you’re excited about?

Linden Porco: Actually, an episode of Loudermilk comes out the same day as Leprechaun Returns. Other than that, I’m just waiting for the next opportunity.