Mary Lambert’s 1989 film adaptation of Stephen King’s Pet Sematary may have divided horror audiences upon its release, but one element remains universally acknowledged: Zelda. Rachel Creed’s tragically ill sister, confined to the shadows of a back room, became an instant icon of cinematic terror. What makes Zelda so unforgettable is the disturbingly grotesque portrayal, amplified by the unconventional casting of a male actor, Andrew Hubatsek. For a single, grueling day under heavy makeup, Hubatsek etched himself into the nightmares of a generation. In this rare, rediscovered interview, we delve into the experiences of the man who brought Zelda’s chilling presence to life. Originally conducted in 2014 for Empire website, this interview resurfaces to explore the enduring legacy of a character that continues to haunt horror fans decades later.
From Audition Room to Horror Icon: How Andrew Hubatsek Became Zelda
The role of Zelda was no ordinary casting call. Hubatsek recounts the initial audition, a room surprisingly filled with young boys around the age of twelve. For Hubatsek, then in his mid-twenties, the stakes felt high. “I was around 25 at the time and remember thinking ‘I better get this or call it quits’.” The unusual choice to cast a male actor in the role of Rachel’s sister remains a point of fascination. Hubatsek offers a practical, albeit speculative, explanation rooted in the demanding makeup process.
The transformation into Zelda was an arduous undertaking, requiring approximately 14 hours in makeup. Two makeup artists meticulously applied prosthetics to Hubatsek’s face, hands, back, and upper chest. This extensive process, conducted in a frigid Maine trailer, necessitated Hubatsek being shirtless for a considerable duration. He suggests, “Would’ve been harder for a young woman or girl, modesty wise. Also, switching the gender may have made it a bit more strange.” This gender subversion undoubtedly contributed to Zelda’s unsettling and uncanny nature, amplifying the character’s disturbing presence.
A Day in the Life of Zelda: Behind the Scenes of a Nightmarish Flashback
Hubatsek’s time on the Pet Sematary set was brief but intense, a whirlwind experience that mirrored the fleeting yet impactful nature of Zelda’s screen time. Arriving during the final days of shooting, he was immediately immersed in the lengthy makeup process. Following this, he filmed for what felt like an extended 18-hour stretch before enduring another six hours of makeup removal with solvents. The sheer exhaustion and the “altered state” induced by the experience, Hubatsek believes, inadvertently contributed to the unsettling authenticity of his performance. “I was exhausted, sick and in an altered state and I think that might’ve come out in the film.”
Despite the demanding circumstances, Hubatsek recalls positive interactions with fellow cast members. He fondly remembers Fred Gwynne, who played Jud Crandall, as being “as nice as you would think.” Denise Crosby, portraying Rachel Creed, was also supportive, assisting him with lines and offering encouragement. Director Mary Lambert also earned his praise. These interactions, though brief, provided moments of camaraderie amidst the isolating and physically taxing demands of portraying Zelda.
The Enduring Terror of Zelda: Why She Still Haunts Us
Despite limited screen time, Zelda’s impact is colossal. Even viewers who find fault with other aspects of Pet Sematary often concede that Zelda is genuinely terrifying. Hubatsek himself is aware of Zelda’s lasting impression, acknowledging the continued attention and the somewhat bewildered reactions he receives from fans. “It seems like Zelda holds both real childhood terror and delight for people.”
He recounts encounters with fans at horror conventions and through various communications, often involving people expressing how deeply disturbed they were by Zelda as children. Anecdotes range from lifelong trauma to siblings playfully mimicking Zelda’s voice to continue scaring each other. One particularly striking story involves a fan showing the film to their own five-year-old child, highlighting how Zelda’s terror is passed down through generations. This enduring impact is particularly surprising to Hubatsek given the brief period he spent filming the role, contrasting it with the ephemeral nature of his extensive theatre work. “It’s weird to have something you did for a few hours have such an effect on people, and so many, while theatre work is there and then gone forever.”
Stage vs. Screen: A Career Forged in Theatre
While Zelda remains a prominent credit in his filmography, Hubatsek’s career is primarily rooted in theatre. His IMDb listing shows only two film credits: Pet Sematary and Blue Steel. He confirms this accurately reflects his limited film work in featured roles, though he has done extra work on other films. Hubatsek admits to pursuing film roles for years but without success. While he appreciates the immediacy of filmmaking, his passion and career trajectory have remained firmly within the realm of theatre. “I feel I would be way too big and hammy on a film now.”
Hubatsek is a central figure in Pennsylvania’s Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, a testament to his dedication to the stage. He articulates a clear distinction between theatre and film acting, suggesting a preference for the former.
Triumphs on Stage: From Hamlet to Ludlam
When asked about his greatest achievements and favorite roles on stage, Hubatsek emphasizes the unique journey each play offers. He describes preparing for and performing Hamlet as a career highlight and a significant test for any actor, despite jokingly admitting his interpretation as the “worlds happiest Hamlet” might be misconstrued.
Currently, Hubatsek is engaged in diverse theatrical projects. He was performing as King Gorgeous III in Charles Ludlam’s The Enchanted Pig, a role that holds personal significance as he saw Ludlam perform as Camille in drag during his youth. Looking ahead, he is directing The Merchant of Venice, further demonstrating his multifaceted involvement in theatre.
Conclusion: The Unforgettable Legacy of Zelda
Andrew Hubatsek’s portrayal of Zelda in Pet Sematary is a masterclass in impactful horror performance. Despite the brief screen time and the actor’s primary focus on theatre, Zelda has cemented her place as one of the most terrifying figures in horror cinema. Hubatsek’s insights into the making of Zelda, the enduring fan reactions, and his broader artistic journey provide a fascinating glimpse into the creation of a truly unforgettable character. Zelda’s legacy continues to prove that sometimes, the most profound scares come from the shadows, delivered by those we least expect.
