The Man Behind the Menace: James Pratt shares about his time filming Texas Nightmare

On a recent episode of The Dreadful Dialogue horror podcast, my co-host Kristen and I interviewed actor James Pratt. He talked to about his film that’s currently on VOD platforms, titled Texas Nightmare. We chatted about accidental history lessons to one-take screams, keep reading to learn about the making of this slow-burn nightmare.

One of the most intriguing moments of the interview came when I asked James about his character’s name: Tepes. My research suggested a darker origin and the name is historically associated with Vlad the Impaler. James admitted he didn’t know that about the name and he initially thought it was just a “great character name” provided by writer/director Michael Merino. He joked “I should have come to you when I was researching for the role!” Whether intentional or not, the name perfectly mirrors the character’s progression—starting as a charming and chivalrous gentleman before revealing a much more sinister side.

Though the film title implies it is set in the remote wilds of Texas, it was actually filmed in Topanga Canyon, California. According to James, the location did half the acting for him. The street used to film had no lights, and filming went late into the night, often with only candles and moonlight. James shared a funny “neighbor” story. He explained how the shoot was so convincing that one neighbor actually thought the frantic “You’ve got to get out!” dialogue was a real-life emergency. Our podcast episode entails this hilarious story in my detail.

Working with scream queens

For a horror fan, the Texas Nightmare call sheet is a dream come true. James shared the screen with legends Sadie Katz and Felissa Rose, and despite their “Scream Queen” status, James noted there wasn’t a single diva on set. He particularly praised Sadie Katz’s work ethic, noting she filmed Texas Nightmare immediately after another lead role in the film Clutch. James, said, “The final scene… was just one take. We were in another room and we just heard the scream. Everyone was like, ‘Wow, it was chilling.”

James also reflected on why he loves stepping into the horror genre, noting that it’s less about the scares and more about the community. Unlike comedy, where tastes vary wildly, horror fans are famously loyal. “Horror fans stick together,” James noted. “They will travel across the country to go to events. It’s a really loyal industry.”

Texas Nightmare is more than just a cult-slasher; it’s a study in paranoia and the “fragility of the mind.” With a cast of genre veterans and a twist ending that James promises “flips the script on its head,” it’s a must-watch for anyone who likes their horror with a side of psychological dread.

In closing, if you are on the fence about your next movie night, here is why James Pratt’s latest project belongs at the top of your watchlist. This isn’t just jump scares, it is a masterclass in paranoia that explores the line between fiction and reality blurs. Seeing horror icons Felissa Rose and Sadie Katz share the screen is a treat for any genre buff. Their chemistry (and Sadie’s legendary screams) keeps the stakes high. As James mentioned, the script “flips on its head” at the very end. If you think you’ve figured out the cults plan, you are probably wrong.

James has several projects soon to be released including, The 3 Killer Pigs, which is a thriller horror film (also starring Brian Austin Green), the comedic film directed by Harland Williams titled, Wingman, and the drama Eyes of Salt.

To hear the interview click here. We also previously chatted with Sadie Katz, list to the interview here.