This post contains details fromYour Monster.
InMelissa Barreras new fairytail-esque musical horror comedy, she plays a beauty who embraces her inner beast.
I hope that I continue to give them more movies that they love.
Melissa Barrera in ‘Your Monster’Vertical Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection
I kept on thinking about this time where I was struggling so much, she explained.
It was kind of like I fell in love with my monster.
And I was like, Thats a cute idea for a rom-com.’
Melissa Barrera and Tommy Dewey inYour Monster(2024). (Vertical Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection)
Dewey jumped at the opportunity, telling her no ones ever asked me to play a monster before.
After starring oppositeKimiko Glennin the short, he then joined Lindy in adapting the film into a feature.
DEADLINE:Its such a fun take on both the horror and romantic-comedy and musical genres.
What about the role and the project attracted you?
MELISSA BARRERA:All of the above.
I am a rom-com lover, a horror enthusiast and a musical theater nerd.
Is this even happening?
It was so perfect.
I was like, this is exactly what I want to do.
BARRERA:It was very refreshing.
Theres something magic that happens when youre doing a movie like that.
But what was it like building that dynamic and maintaining it through all those layers of prosthetics as well?
It was pretty incredible.
It was so easy to work with him.
It felt like wed known each other from before.
But its different, when its Tommy on his face, and Tommy the monster.
DEADLINE:Well, it was definitely fun watching you two as well.
And I loved the musical aspect, the singing and the dancing.
You mentioned that youre a musical theater nerd.
What was your process for preparing for that part of the film?
I give a shot to do my vocal warm-ups and just keep my voice in shape.
And I was very excited about getting the chance to sing original music.
And I was like, You guys, what are you doing to me?
What do you think?
I can sing this?
And they were like, We know you might sing this.
It was super fun.
DEADLINE:The whole movie is set in the world of Broadway.
Having gone to NYU yourself, are there any Broadway aspirations in your heart?
Any show that you would particularly love to star in?
BARRERA:Oh, yes.
Oh my gosh, thats my dream.
Thats what I want.
Ive been trying to get on Broadway.
They wont have me.
I would be happy doing anything.
But I think for my Broadway debut, I would love to originate a role.
I would love to be on the original Broadway cast soundtrack for a show.
That would be my dream, totally.
BARRERA:Oh my God, Im too old.
Im so old now.
Literally, that was my dream.
You have no idea.
I think its been rumored to be happening for a really long time.
And so my dream for the longest time was to be in the musical movie forSpring Awakening.
But Ive done that, and so Im good now that Im 34.
Im too old to play this naive girl that doesnt know what sex is.
And she didnt want that.
She was like, I dont want that narrative.
I think its important, and I think it is beautiful when women show up for each other.
But then they also have their issues and they also deal with some bull from the hands of men.
Did that speak to you with the role?
But thats not real and thats not what being human is about.
And actually, theres other monsters in the movie.
The Monster in our movie is not the monster.
DEADLINE:And I have to say, I love all of your horror roles.
How does it feel becoming a scream queen for this generation?
Im just getting started.
