Performing with Demons and the Horror of Artificial Intelligence: Insights from Evil's Andrea Martin
The Juicy Scoop on Sister Andrea from 'Evil': An Interview with Andrea Martin
With 'Evil' drawing to a close, we chat with Andrea Martin about playing a demon-slaying nun in one of TV's greatest horror series
In this exclusive interview, we sat down with the hilarious and versatile Andrea Martin to talk about her role as the wise-cracking Sister Andrea in the critically acclaimed series, 'Evil'. Be warned, this conversation might get a bit demonic!
Cheryl Eddy (io9): Sister Andrea can see demons, and the show uses this to create a perfect blend of humor and terror. How does it feel filming these scenes when you're interacting with these creatures?
Andrea Martin: To be honest, my main concern is for the actors in the full-body prosthetics! I mean, they can't go to the bathroom or eat. It takes a unique individual to do this job, and I can't even imagine what it's like for them. Acting-wise, I have to be in character and believe that these are demons. It's extraordinary to work with such dedicated performers.
Io9: On a different note, Sister Andrea has a strong faith, although the Catholic Church is not always supportive. How do you think she navigates this balance?
Martin: Sister Andrea speaks her mind and is driven by her faith. She knows her place, and she's fighting to change how women and nuns are perceived in the Church. The hypocrisy of the men in charge has been a constant frustration for her, but she presses on because she has a bigger mission – to believe in goodness and fight for faith in a challenging world.
Io9: There have been hints at Sister Andrea's backstory. Was this something you knew about when you started the show, or did it develop as the show progressed?
Martin: In the beginning, there wasn't much backstory provided. I focused on playing the character as written, but as the series continued, I created a backstory for Sister Andrea. Some of this backstory will be revealed in the final episodes, which are incredibly touching.
Io9: Fun fact – was the character named after you, or was it the role you were offered?
Martin: I've never actually asked the creators if the character was named after me. I'd love to know the story behind that!
Io9: Your career has spanned many genres, but you've been in some iconic horror projects, like 'Black Christmas'. As an actor, what is it about the horror genre that excites you the most?
Martin: I've been fortunate to work on some incredible horror projects, and I think it's the characters that draw me in. I don't usually enjoy watching horror films, but when I'm on set, I approach it as an opportunity to create a unique, memorable character.
Io9: Since joining 'Evil', which explores the dark side of technology, has your own awareness of its potential malevolent uses increased?
Martin: Absolutely. As a grandmother, I worry about the world my granddaughter will inherit. With AI on the rise, I hope that we can find a way to harness its power for good without compromising our humanity.
Tune in to 'Evil' on Thursdays to catch the final episodes. And if you dare, check out the classic 'Cannibal Girls' on Tubi!
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Sister Andrea's role in 'Evil', a horror series, provides an entertaining blend of humor and terror, with Andrea Martin interacting with demonsAndrea Martin expresses her concerns for the actors wearing full-body prosthetics during scenes with demons, noting their unique dedicationMartin's character, Sister Andrea, navigates the balance between her strong faith and the Catholic Church's unsupportive hierarchy, fighting for change*During the show's progression, Martin created a backstory for Sister Andrea, which will be revealed in the final episodes, touching on her personal experiences.
