Madison Wolfe returns to the horror-thriller arena in her latest film, The Man in the White Van. Wolfe, who made her debut in 2012 with notable roles in the film adaptations of On the Road and The Campaign, rose to prominence with her performance in 2016’s The Conjuring 2, where she portrayed Janet Hodgson, a pivotal character subjected to supernatural forces. Since then, Wolfe has collaborated with director James Wan on the horror film Malignant and starred in the highly regarded adaptation of I Kill Giants, along with multiple episodes of Mayfair Witches.
In The Man in the White Van, Wolfe plays Annie, a teenager living in a quaint Florida town during the 1970s, alongside her younger brother, older sister, and parents. Known for her vivid imagination and a tendency to clash with her family, Annie finds herself in terrifying circumstances when she and her friend Patty are stalked by a mysterious driver of a white van that becomes increasingly invasive, even appearing near her home. As the menacing presence escalates, Annie must persuade those around her that she is in real danger.
The film features a talented cast, including Brec Bassinger from Stargirl, Skai Jackson from Sheroes, Gavin Warren from Night Swim, and seasoned actors like Noah Lomax, Addison Riecke, Ali Larter, and Sean Astin, with the latter two also serving as executive producers. By merging an enchanting coming-of-age narrative with a chilling true crime backdrop, The Man in the White Van promises an engaging cinematic experience.
In advance of the film’s release, Madison Wolfe spoke with ScreenRant, reflecting on her involvement with The Man in the White Van, the allure of working within the true crime genre, balancing rigorous research with the film’s script, and her collaborative experience with Brec Bassinger in portraying the nuanced relationship between their characters. Wolfe also shared her sentiments on the conclusion of the mainline Conjuring franchise with its upcoming fourth installment.
The True Crime Genre Has Been On Wolfe’s “Bucket List For A Really Long Time”
“I definitely did a little bit of research…”
ScreenRant: I’m thrilled to talk about The Man in the White Van. After watching it earlier today, I was completely absorbed; it’s so tense throughout. Given your familiarity with the horror-thriller genre, what was it that attracted you to this particular film?
Madison Wolfe: Engaging with true crime, especially as a character as emotionally layered as Annie, has been a goal of mine for a long time, so simply getting the audition was exciting.
How much research did you find necessary before stepping into this role, or did the script provide enough clarity?
Madison Wolfe: I certainly conducted some research, particularly on Billy Mansfield Jr., who is still alive and imprisoned. The extent of his actions is vast, and while it’s not central to the film, understanding his background was important. The story is predominantly told through Annie’s eyes, which shifted my focus from the killer to her emotional journey. Most of my research involved discussions with Warren, centered on Annie’s feelings and her entire arc throughout the film. I wanted to prioritize understanding her character.
Wolfe Looks To Bassinger As “Very Much Like An Older Sister”
“…there’s such a deep love there.”
The rapport you share with your on-screen sister, played by Brec Bassinger, is strikingly relatable. What was the process of establishing this dynamic like for you?
Madison Wolfe: It was an absolute delight! Brec is fantastic—I regard her as a true older sister. With my own younger sister at home, our filmic dynamic mirrored real sibling relationships with a mix of friction and support, showcasing the deep love that ultimately binds us. Brec brought an incredible energy to our scenes together.
The Movie’s Time Period & Annie’s Innocence Provided Interesting Challenges For Wolfe
“…erasing that from my brain as an option for self-defense was an interesting aspect.”
What would you identify as the key to discovering who Annie was, and how this influenced your portrayal?
Madison Wolfe: A major challenge in bringing Annie to life was striking the right balance of her innocence, particularly in a world devoid of cell phones or tracking apps. This necessitated removing those modern communications from my considerations, forcing me to connect with her vulnerability. Additionally, Annie’s tendency to embellish her stories initially complicates her search for attention, which required deeper exploration. I’m satisfied with where my portrayal landed in the film.
The Conjuring 4 Ending The Mainline Franchise Is “Bittersweet”For Wolfe
She Still Holds Her $321M Sequel “Dear To My Heart”
Madison Wolfe: It certainly is bittersweet. Parts of me feel like we just wrapped filming, while others sense it’s been quite a journey. That character holds a special place in my heart, and the entire team involved has been invaluable. Completing this chapter is uniquely meaningful, yet tinged with sadness. I’m looking forward to experiencing how it all unfolds.
About The Man in the White Van
Based on actual events, The Man in the White Van investigates the eerie dynamics of a seemingly quiet Florida town in 1975, chronicling the traumatic experiences of young Annie Williams. Once a carefree and spirited girl, her life is turned upside down when she becomes the target of a lurking menace in a white van.
Annie’s idyllic world, filled with horseback riding and friendly walks home through the woods, begins to unravel as the menacing presence of the van draws closer. As her concerns grow, her family’s disbelief further isolates her psychologically. The culmination of her fear grips her on Halloween night, manifesting into a haunting reality.
Helmed by director Warren Skeels, The Man in the White Van masterfully explores themes of fear, paranoia, and the delicate veneer of safety in a picturesque setting where darkness lies just beneath the surface. This chilling narrative stems from the real-life crimes of serial killer Billy Mansfield Jr., weaving a gripping tale that resonates with the deepest fears of parents everywhere.
Stay tuned for additional interviews related to The Man in the White Van featuring:
- Brec Bassinger
- Skai Jackson & Gavin Warren
- Warren Skeels
The Man in the White Van is currently in theaters.
Source: ScreenRant Plus
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