Before stepping into the world of film and television, Matthew Finlan’s love for performing began in his hometown’s community theatre. “I was a little kid doing musicals,” he shared. “I remember playing one of the Von Trapp kids in The Sound of Music and being like, ‘This is the coolest thing ever.’” Those early experiences planted the seed for a future in acting, long before he realized it could be a career. “It was just something I loved doing. I didn’t really know what it meant to pursue it professionally until later. There was just something about the stage and that feeling of being someone else that really stuck with me.”
Taking on Ezra: A Different Kind of Role
In the new horror-comedy Hell of a Summer, now in theaters nationwide, Matthew Finlan brings to life the character of Ezra—a shift from the more dramatic roles audiences have seen him in before. “He’s very talkative, he’s kind of annoying,” Finlan said with a laugh. “He’s sort of the guy who thinks he’s a lot smarter than he is. And he’s very emotionally charged, very intense.”
While Ezra is a departure from Finlan’s previous work, he embraced the comedic potential of the role. “There was something very theatrical about it,” he said. “He feels everything at a 10.” The opportunity to go “bigger” while still grounding Ezra in something real was an exciting challenge. “That was what I was trying to keep in mind—how do I make him grounded, but still have those sort of ridiculous outbursts?”
The Horror-Comedy Experience
Blending horror and comedy requires a delicate balance, something Finlan and the entire cast were acutely aware of. “You can’t really play the comedy,” he said. “You have to just play the moment honestly and trust that the writing and the direction are going to help with the comedy.” He also pointed out how much fun it was to live in such an extreme world. “You’re running through the woods screaming and covered in blood one minute, and then the next you’re delivering a weird monologue about friendship.”
Finlan credits the film’s tone to its writer-directors, Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk. “They knew exactly what they wanted. They’re cinephiles, they love horror movies, and they also love comedy. And they had such a good sense of what kind of movie they wanted to make.”
Working with Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk
Having actors as directors created a supportive and collaborative environment on set. “It was like working with your peers,” Finlan shared. “They were so generous with their direction, but also really clear.” He appreciated how open Wolfhard and Bryk were to improvisation and letting the cast explore their characters.
“They’re both such good actors themselves, and they understand what you need in the moment. Sometimes it was like they knew what you were thinking before you even said it.” Finlan recalled the atmosphere on set as one where everyone felt safe to take risks. “It really made it easier to just go for it and be bold.”
A Passion for Genre Films
Finlan has always had a deep appreciation for horror. “I was that kid who watched The Ring way too young,” he joked. “There’s something cathartic about horror, and when you mix in comedy, it just makes the experience even more fun.” He sees genre films as an opportunity to do it all as an actor—comedy, drama, physicality, even stunts. “You’re never bored on a set like this.”
The experience of filming Hell of a Summer only deepened that appreciation. “It was the best time I’ve ever had on a set,” Finlan said. “And I think people are going to be surprised at how funny and sharp it is. It’s a love letter to slasher films, but with a fresh take.”
Landing His First Agent
Matthew Finlan’s journey into the professional acting world wasn’t without its obstacles. “I was in the double digits of agencies and nobody was signing me,” he shared. Despite the rejections, Finlan stayed persistent. His break came after attending a workshop where someone from an agency took notice. “I was maybe 17 or 18, and after the workshop they reached out and said they wanted to meet.”
That meeting led to his first official representation and opened the door to professional auditions. “It was the first time I thought, ‘Okay, this could actually be something real.’” Looking back, Finlan credits that early break to perseverance and a deep passion for performing. “It all started with saying yes to every opportunity I could find.”
Watch our full interview with Matthew Finlan above or tune in on your favorite podcast platform! And don’t miss Hell of a Summer, in theatres everywhere!
