Justin Long's Unexpectedly Excellent Horror Movie Career

Justin Long, Unexpected Horror Icon

Justin Long may be best known for his comedic roles in films like Dodgeball and Accepted, but the actor has steadily built up an impressive resume of roles in horror films over the past 15 years. Though Long himself has stated that horror is not his favorite genre to watch, he can't seem to stay away from chilling movie sets and creepy characters.

Breakout Horror-Comedy Role

Long's first major horror role came in 2009's Drag Me to Hell, the critically acclaimed supernatural thriller directed by legendary horror filmmaker Sam Raimi. Long played Clay Dalton, the supportive boyfriend of lead character Christine Brown (Alison Lohman), who becomes plagued by a merciless curse after an interaction with a mysterious loan applicant.

The film allowed Long to showcase both his comedic timing, in the movie's early scenes depicting Clay and Christine's relationship, and his talent for evoking fear and desperation as Christine's life unravels. Under Raimi's masterful direction, Long manages to make the audience care deeply about Clay's helpless quest to save the woman he loves from a terrifying, hellish fate.

Reuniting with Director Kevin Smith

Long's next major horror role came in Kevin Smith's bizarre 2014 creature feature Tusk. As palpodcaster Wallace Bryton, Long plays the straight man opposite Michael Parks' eccentric recluse Howard Howe. After traveling to interview Howe for his podcast, Wallace finds himself drugged and horrifically mutilated by the deranged man, who aims to transform Wallace into a human walrus hybrid named Mr. Tusk.

The body horror trappings of Tusk allowed Long to depart from his familiar comedic typecasting. In increasing stages of physical restriction, the actor reveals new depths of desperation and anguish. And surprisingly for such a strange premise, Long makes Wallace's tragic predicament feel disturbingly real.

Villainous Turns

Proving his versatility within the horror genre, Long has also taken on villainous roles in recent scary movies. In 2016's graphic novel adaptation Barbarian, Long plays Colin, a duplicitous doctor with a sadistic streak.HIDden behind a kind smile and affable bedside manner, his character gradually reveals he has manipulated protagonist Tess into a dangerous and painful scheme for his own gain.

In 2021's mystery thriller Lady of the Manor, Long got to indulge his goofier side as a ghost named Savannah Sparrow Sleuth. Donning an outrageous southern belle costume and eccentric mannerisms, he sends stoner tour guide Hannah (Melanie Lynskey) on a trippy, spooky scavenger hunt through a haunted plantation manor.

Justin Long, Horror Utility Player

Rounding out Long's horror filmography are diverse supporting turns, like playing a lecherous college professor in 2016's Amateur Night in the V/H/S anthology series. He also made brief but memorable appearances in spoofs like 2013's star-studded Movie 43 and the 2019 Jay and Silent Bob reboot.

Long even lent his voice acting talents to horror projects like the scary videogame Dying Light and playing the lead character's boyfriend in the 2015 Goosebumps audiobook Night of the Living Dummy.

Why We Love Justin Long in Horror

So what makes Justin Long such an ideal addition to creepy thrillers and offbeat horror films? Beyond his general acting talent and versatility, Long radiates an earnest, guileless appeal whatever the role. He typically plays characters we can root for, who draw us into even the most bizarre plotlines through sheer sympathy and likeability.

Long also fully commits to discomfort, awkwardness and abject suffering in his horror movie roles. He throws himself bodily into the challenge of these emotionally and physically demanding parts. The actor's brave and wholehearted performances lend gravitas and humanity to stories rife with the grotesque and uncanny.

And despite horror not being Long's personal favorite, his enthusiasm for rich characters never wavers no matter the genre. Much as he delighted viewers for years in comedies and romances, the actor clearly relishes the chance to breach new depths of darkness. And his fans eagerly follow him down whatever frightening rabbit hole his latest onscreen fate awaits.

So next time you're browsing horror movie options, keep an eye out for Justin Long's name. Whether as leading man or creepy cameo, Long consistently classes up even the craziest cinematic nightmares.

FAQs

What was Justin Long's breakout horror movie role?

Long's breakout horror role was in the 2009 Sam Raimi film Drag Me to Hell, where he played Clay Dalton, the supportive boyfriend of lead character Christine who becomes plagued by a merciless curse.

Has Justin Long worked with director Kevin Smith on a horror movie?

Yes, Justin Long starred in Kevin Smith's 2014 horror comedy Tusk, playing a podcaster who is captured and grotesquely transformed into a "walrus hybrid" named Mr. Tusk.

What horror movies has Justin Long played a villainous character in?

Long took on darker, villainous roles in films like 2016's Barbarian, where he played a sadistic doctor manipulating the lead character, and in the ghostly role of Savannah Sparrow Sleuth in 2021's Lady of the Manor.

What non-movie horror projects has Justin Long been involved in?

Beyond films, Long has lent his voice acting talents to videogames like Dying Light and audiobooks like the 2015 Goosebumps book Night of the Living Dummy.

Why do fans love seeing Justin Long in horror movies?

Long radiates an earnest appeal that draws sympathy even in bizarre plots. He commits fully to discomfort and suffering, lending humanity to uncanny horror tales.