Paxton Singleton on Netflix’s ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ [Exclusive Interview]

People can’t stop talking about Netflix’s latest series, The Haunting of Hill House. The 10-episode show is a blend of supernatural horror and family drama, and it’s absolutely riveting from start to finish.

The Haunting of Hill House, a “modern reimagining” of the Shirley Jackson novel of the same name, follows the five Crain siblings: Steven, Shirley, Theo, Luke, and Nell. The family experienced an unspeakable and mysterious tragedy while growing up in the ghost-ridden Hill House.

Reunited decades later in light of another tragic event, the now-grown Crains must face their past and reckon with it in the present.

The series spans from the Crains’ childhoods to modern day, with two sets of actors playing the young and adult versions of the characters. I recently had the chance to speak via email with one of its young stars, Paxton Singleton, about his entry into the entertainment industry, his first impression of his character, Steven, and what it was like working on what some are calling Netflix’s first great horror series.

Tell-Tale TV: What inspired you to get into acting?

Paxton Singleton: Honestly, a girl. A neighbor of mine was recruiting boys for a local play. I decided that if she wanted help, I would help! I ended up really enjoying it. My mom noticed I had a raw talent, so we decided to see what we could do with it.

We started with any student films and independent projects we could find, and after a couple of years, I signed with my manager, Annet McCroskey. She encouraged us to come out to Los Angeles for auditions. The next thing I know, I’ve booked The Haunting of Hill House and am heading to Atlanta to film it.

Tell-Tale TV: Tell us a bit about your character, the young version of Steven.

Singleton: Steven is a kind, loving, and very bright kid. He tries to help around the house to show his parents that he is maturing and starting to become a young adult.

He also is very protective of his siblings and cares a lot for them. It’s interesting to see how much Hill House changes this character… the whole family, really.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in playing young Steven?

Singleton: Episode 6 is my personal favorite episode and was the most fun to shoot. It was a challenge to work on such long scenes without making any errors.

Not just for actors, but for the entire crew as well. It was a challenge, and I like challenges.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything in particular you did to help prepare for the role?

Singleton: Honestly, I felt the need to try to be myself in each situation because Steven and I are very much alike. I like to prepare, prepare, prepare. Then, when it came time to shoot the scene, I just tried to live the moment.

Tell-Tale TV: What was your reaction when you first read the scripts for this show?

Singleton: I remember auditioning for the role. I was really hoping to book it for many reasons, but mainly because I fell in love with what I had seen of the script. My mom did too. In fact, we looked at each other and said, “We’re going to have to watch this show.” At the time, I didn’t know it was going to be so scary.

Tell-Tale TV: Had you been familiar with the original book, The Haunting of Hill House, before signing onto this project?

Singleton: I had not. I hadn’t even heard of it. I’m a scaredy cat, so I’m not out looking for scary books much.

Tell-Tale TV: This cast is filled with so many talented actors. What was the most exciting part about working with them? Your favorite behind-the-scenes on set story?

Singleton: Henry Thomas played my dad, and he was amazing to just be around. Actually, most of my scenes were with him, as a way of showing the father/son bond and how that fell apart. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him and learn from him.

I didn’t have as many scenes with Carla Gugino, but in the scenes I had with her, she was phenomenal. They both have such a natural way about them. It seems so effortless.

Also, Annabeth Gish. She taught me how to watch for the light. We had a scene where there was a very narrow space for her lighting. I had to cross the room, through the light, and sit next to her. She taught me to actually watch the light on her face to make sure I was in the right place. It’s trickier than it sounds!

Tell-Tale TV: What’s something you’re excited for viewers to see if they haven’t already watched?

Singleton: I’d say to watch for the changes in the characters and the family as a whole. They were a wonderful, loving family that was changed by this experience. No one got out unchanged. You can see that in the very first episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9OzG53VwIk

The Haunting of Hill House is currently streaming on Netflix.

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