In "Mr. Crocket," director Brandon Espy and actor Elvis Nolasco bring the ‘90s back in a horror story packed with nostalgia.

In an interview with us, Espy shared the challenges of capturing every detail from that era, while Nolasco spoke about exploring the depths of his sinister character. Together, they revealed how their storytelling, with a few well-placed scares, brought "Mr. Crocket" back to life this Halloween.

Since your film is set in the '90s, what was the most challenging part of capturing the essence of that era for a millennial audience?

Espy: The little details that really bring that era to life. The wardrobe style references for the characters, the radios, TVs, the color and direction of the overall film. Luckily, I worked with a great production designer, Michelle Patterson, and DP Powell Robinson who helped me bring all of these elements to life.

There’s a visceral scene where Mr. Crocket literally tears off his flesh. How did you approach the balance between gore and narrative impact, and what emotions did you want this scene to evoke?

Espy: We approached the gore in this scene in a practical way with vfx finishing. We wanted to play on the idea that once Crocket infects your family, he shows up in many forms within your life. We wanted to evoke the emotions of anxiety and doubt in Summer as a mother, and in her chances of getting her son back.

The film proudly features a predominantly Black cast. What aspects of representation were most important for you to bring forward in this story?

Espy: Telling it from a Black perspective without constantly calling it out that they are Black. I wanted to nail universal themes that happened to be told from a Black family’s eye.

Every director has moments they wish could have stayed in or been left out. Is there a particular scene you regret cutting, or perhaps one you’re glad didn’t make the final cut?

Espy: We got shut down due to the strike, mid production. This allowed for us to re-evaluate scenes. There was a scene after the library scene that takes place in a park, which was reshot over another version between Summer and Eddie characters.

What was your most memorable scene to film — and conversely, which one challenged you the most?

Nolasco: Doing a 30-minute private moment for Mr. Crocket while being in his "World" stands out to me, as this exercise cemented in me a full emergence of capturing his character. It gave me all of who he is, the “whys” of his mission, his truths and his vulnerabilities.

Your role carries a powerful message. What do you hope resonates most with audiences through your performance?

Nolasco: "I hope audiences walk away with a renewed appreciation for the power of individuality. "Mr. Crocket" carries important messages, especially about encouraging the next generation to have the courage to be true to themselves. My hope is that others see embracing who you are — fully and unapologetically — can inspire others."

Learning you’d be singing in the film must have been a surprise. What was your initial reaction, and how did you prepare for it?

Nolasco: "I worked closely with Brandon Espy, the creative genius behind the song. Just as I prepared extensively for the role of Mr. Crocket — developing his voice and tone — working on the song felt like a natural extension of that process. Learning that the song resonates with kids only reinforced how well it aligns with the character too."

Every set has its moments of unpredictability. Was there anything on set that truly caught you off guard or gave you a scare?

Nolasco: "Stepping into the horror genre for the first time was definitely a shift, but playing a complex, emotionally unpredictable villain added a new layer of depth. Delivering the scares instead of just watching them gave me a fresh perspective on horror. This role pushed me to explore different sides of myself as an actor, tapping into darker storytelling while still appreciating the lighter '90s children’s nostalgia woven throughout the film."

If you could have taken a memento from the set, what would it have been?

Espy: "Mr. Crocket’s World VCR tape. It’s such a central part of the storyline, and Mr. Crocket wouldn’t exist without it. Having that would be a reminder of the eerie world we created — and all the work that went into bringing the film to life."

Nolasco: "I would’ve taken all of the amazing puppet creatures home with me, especially the demonic chair. Would’ve made a great statement piece for my dining table."

"Mr. Crocket" is now streaming exclusively on Hulu, check out the official trailer below:

Via Hulu.

Images.