Karen Cliche reunites with Eli Roth in his highly anticipated new slasher Ice Cream Man, the first film from Roth’s new horror label, The Horror Section.
Directed by Eli Roth, who co-wrote the film with Noah Belson, Ice Cream Man follows an idyllic summer town descending into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet treats with horrifying results! The film also serves up original music by Snoop Dogg.
Karen plays Alison, wife to Eli Roth’s on-screen character, in a cast led by Ari Millen (Orphan Black) alongside Benjamin Byron Davis and Sarah Abbott. Additional cast includes Dylan Hawco, Shiloh O’Reilly, Kiori Mirza Waldman, Charlie Zeltzer, and Charlie Storey.
Karen is best known for her captivating performances in renowned television series like Vampire High, Adventure Inc., Mutant X, Young Blades, and Flash Gordon. She is no stranger to the silver screen either, having been seen in Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving opposite Patrick Dempsey and Rick Hoffman, as well as Saw VI, Steal, Killer Mom, I Do (But I Don’t), Turkey Drop, and more. Karen can also be seen in MGM+’s new crime drama The Westies, that premiered last month starring J.K. Simmons and Titus Welliver, from Narcos and Godfather of Harlem creator Chris Brancato.
Off screen, Karen channels her passion into supporting critical causes as a dedicated advocate against sex trafficking and a champion of women’s issues.
Check out our Q&A with Karen:
Ice Cream trucks are a symbol of childhood, what was your go-to ice cream truck purchase?
Karen: Definitely soft serve. Although I found Ice Cream trucks creepy as a kid so I wasn’t a huge fan!
This is not your first rodeo in the horror genre, what keeps bringing you back to the genre?
Karen: I was so honored to have been asked by Eli to be in Ice Cream Man. With Saw VI and Thanksgiving I auditioned for it, so when you get an offer as an actor it is such a beautiful gift. Although not a horror fan in real life, I love acting in them. I love being pushed physically and emotionally and to really sell the fear you have to commit 100%.
And what drew you to joining Ice Cream Man?
Karen: I was so lucky to have been asked by Eli! He told me about the concept when we were shooting one of his fake trailers last year and I thought it was genius, considering my own thoughts on Ice Cream Trucks!
What can audiences expect from this film?
Karen: They can expect Eli Roth at his most unleashed. Definitely his craziest film to date. Hope you like blood and guts! And possessed children.
What was it like coming back to work with Eli Roth, this time, as his wife, Alison?
Karen: It was so great to act opposite him. I think he is such a great actor, and loves improv like I do so we did a lot of that in the dinner scene. It was great to see him in action, also directing and as a writer. Definitely brought my A GAME!
What can you tell us about who Alison is and her role in the film?
Karen: We play the parents of the main kids. We are part of the set up where this creepy ice cream man is brought up. You get a sense that the parents are professionals, have rules but also have a little fun with their kids too.
What are you most excited for people to see when they watch Ice Cream Man?
Karen: The wit that is in the kills. It’s campy, outrageous and fun…if you can get past the terror.
I am easily influenced by horror films, I can’t stand dolls thanks to Annabelle & Chucky, so, is there a chance that I will see ice cream trucks differently after seeing this film?
Karen: Absolutely, and I share your fear of creepy dolls. I think this might cause a revolution around the world of rebranding the trucks and the music. It will either be great marketing, or people will run from them!
What other projects are coming up for you?
Karen: I have The Bookie and the Bruiser coming out next year starring Vince Vaughn and Theo James. It is such a great script and it’s set in the 1950’s, NYC mafia wars. It was one of my favourite experiences to date. S. Craig Zahler the writer and director was such a pleasure to work with and so was Vince. I had all my scenes with him and the collaboration between the three of us was beautiful.