He’s written some of the biggest horror franchises in Hollywood. Leigh Whannell, who co-wrote all the Saw and Insidious films with James Wan, turned director with Insidious: Chapter 3 in 2015. This Friday, Leigh, who also plays demonologist Specs in the Insidious franchise, returned as the writer of Insidious: The Last Key, directed by Adam Robitel. t2 chatted with Whannell — we love that he’s a Jaws fan! — on why horror floats his boat. 

Insidious: Chapter 3 ended with Elise Rainier returning home and then the camera cuts to the ‘red-faced demon’ standing behind her. What’s happening with Elise and Insidious: The Last Key? 

I’m really excited to see how people respond to the new film. The Insidious films, especially the last one did pretty well, so the producers were, ‘Let’s do another one!’ (Laughs) I really wanted to explore Lin Shaye’s character (Elise Rainier) because I am very fascinated by Elise (who is a demonologist). I wanted to write an Insidious film that revolved around her and that’s how this came about. 

You directed the third Insidious film. Any reason why you limited yourself to just writing this one?

I think that’s because I had already done it… I had a lot of fun making Insidious 3, but then there are a lot of other scripts that I want to make. Directing a film takes up so much time and I really want to get cracking on these other movies. And so I decided to write it, but not direct it. 

The Insidious franchise has consistently worked at the box office and also spawned many me-too horror films. What was the idea behind making the first film eight years ago?

James and I had come to be known for the Saw films that were very violent, though, honestly, the first film (Saw, in 2004) wasn’t really violent. The sequels, of course, became painted with a more violent brush. We have always been fans of supernatural horror that relied a lot on mood and atmospherics — like The Shining and The Others — and we wanted to add to that pantheon. We wanted to scare the shit out of people… pardon my French! (Laughs) 

Did you ever think it would become this successful and spin off four films?

We didn’t. Actually, when I write something, I never think about whether it will be a success or a failure. If I’m sitting down and taking the time out to write a story, then that means I really love it. I go into it with a lot of love, but I don’t have any expectations of what the audience will feel about it because that part of filmmaking is not in my hands. Releasing a film into the world is like releasing a pigeon or a dove (smiles)… you just have no idea where it’s going to end up. So it was a big surprise when Insidious connected with people. 

Is there the fear that what you write on paper, especially for a horror film, may not translate as effectively when it’s filmed?

I really love directing and writing. Having an idea, putting it on page and being able to execute that right till the end is a big high. A lot of times when you are writing a film, you feel like you are handing off your child to someone else. There’s something nice about writing a line that says, ‘The door flies open and the wind rushes in’ and then all of a sudden, you are on set as director and the production designer is asking you what colour the door should be! (Laughs) There’s something very satisfying about that. All those tiny decisions, for me, is the most fun part about directing. That’s definitely where I want to put all of my energy.

What do you think has worked for the collaboration between you and James Wan, from Saw to Insidious?

We are good friends and have very similar sensibilities. There’s just something that happens when we work together where our ideas mesh really well. We both have bizarre ideas that I am able to give a structure to through my writing and James, as director, is able to execute them in a very interesting way. It’s been so exciting for me to see James going on to make big blockbusters like Fast & Furious (Wan directed Furious 7) and Aquaman (releasing this year). That’s what he’s always wanted and he’s finally getting the respect he deserves. 

How did your interest in the horror genre come about?

I’ve always enjoyed horror. As a kid, I remember I begged my dad to let me watch Jaws (1975). I was obsessed with the sharks and with the film itself… I just couldn’t have enough of it! That obsession never really stopped… I love Jaws to this day and it’s probably the film that inspired me to become a filmmaker. As a kid, I didn’t know who a director was, but I really loved movies and Jaws really was the movie that started it all.     
 
 

You also have an acting career, and that includes playing Elise’s assistant Specs in the Insidious films…

I have always liked performing. That could even mean going out for dinner with friends and narrating a story to them. It doesn’t necessarily mean I want to actively pursue a career in acting. But yes, I do love it and I want to continue doing it, but it all depends on what happens in my life next. If I only get to direct, I’ll be very happy.
 
Finally, for fans of Saw, will there be another film in the franchise from you and James?

I don’t think there will be another Saw film. I think we will get together and make something eventually. I would like to make something bizarre… something that’s uniquely James and me.  

Saw or Insidious — which horror franchise spooks you more?
 
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