‘Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens’ Star On Film’s ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Connection [Video]


In just a few days, the much-anticipated fourth film in the Syfy channel’s Sharknado franchise will make its premiere, and the film, appropriately titled Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens, brings in horror maiden Caroline Williams, casting her in a role which will pay tribute to one of her past roles. The connection comes as that previous horror film celebrates an anniversary, giving Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens director Anthony C. Ferrante an opportunity to share his love for the gory classic, while premiering his own carnage fest.

Also amping up fan interest in the fourth Sharknado film is the release of a new teaser, showing off Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens‘ star-studded cast and the flying beasts which excite so many audiences.

Syfy Releases A New Trailer For Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens

It’s almost here, and while some of us are left questioning who is tuning in to see these Sharknado films, others, presumably, just can’t get enough of the Syfy original films, concerning sharks of all species being flung about the country. Cows too. CNN reveals that ratings have dipped since the first Sharknado film premiered to unsuspecting audiences in 2013, but Chris Regina, Syfy’s senior vice president of original co-productions, says the Sharknado franchise isn’t just about ratings. It’s also about building up a social media following and standing out within the NBC Universal family.

“We punch above our weight,” Regina says, referring to the fact that the Sharknado films can be produced on a shoestring budget.

Regina adds that the films offer something of value for fans of the series. The Syfy senior VP says Sharknado films offer “pure escapism,” which seems to imply that the Sharknado franchise may continue, regardless of how Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens performs in the ratings game.

Caroline Williams On The Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens Horror Connections

To some, Caroline Williams casting in Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens might not seem that remarkable, but, as Dread Central reveals in their interview with the actress, she was brought in to play a specific role and because the movie’s director, Anthony C. Ferrante, is a big fan of one of Williams’ past films. Caroline starred in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. As a long-time fan of the film, Ferrante wanted to pay tribute to the horror classic, and Williams’ interest in Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens provided the perfect opportunity for him to do that.

TCM2 speaks to him, and he wanted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the film,” Caroline reveals of the Sharknado 4‘s director. “And since chainsaws are the weapon of choice for slicing through Sharknado, having Stretch and the fam selling them saws is a solid natural!”

Ms. Williams was only too happy to feed her director’s hunger for all things related to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, because it gave her a chance to relive the fun she had in making the horror classic. She says she loved the chance to re-enact the chainsaw dance from that film, making it new for Sharknado fans. This leaves one wondering just what kind of a character Williams plays in Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens.

“I’m your ever lovin’ Stretch, from K-Okla in Burkburnett, Texas, Red River Rock n’ Roll!”

Williams also reveals that Ferrante spared no expense in creating a magical, shark-flying apocalypse.

“The flying ‘nado takes many forms, using many substances. Believe me… Anthony Ferrante lets the ‘nadoes fly! It’s CGI, of course, so anything can happen!”

As The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 turns 30 this year, Williams says she feels proud to have been a part of the franchise and that she’s especially honored by the way fans have kept the franchise alive through the years.

“When costume contests feature 9-year-olds in full Stretch drag, spouting my lines, being chased by 12-year-old Leatherfaces, you know you’ve achieved a cultural moment!”

Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens will air on July 31 on the Syfy channel.

[Image by Syfy]

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