Last year saw the release of the supernatural horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s with Kat Conner Sterling playing Max alongside a cast including Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard and Piper Rubio. Five Nights at Freddy’s is a film adaptation of the video games of the same name, and Kat was directed by Emma Tammi for the project. Amongst Kat’s further screen roles, she has played Casey in the 2023 feature film Popular Theory, and she had her movie debut playing Presley in A Week Away opposite Bailee Madison, Kevin Quinn and Jahbril Cook, for which she also recorded the film’s soundtrack for its release on Netflix. Kat answered our questions about playing Max in the supernatural horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s, filming as Casey in Popular Theory and her time on set of A Week Away as Presley.
How did you feel finding out you’d booked the role of Max in the supernatural horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s and can you tell us about your character?
I was super excited, however, I really had no idea how big of a deal it was. I was just so pumped and grateful to book a job in a Blumhouse movie. I didn’t even know Josh (Hutcherson) and Matthew (Lillard) were in it. It was a process of finding out how big the franchise was and understanding this was huge.
Max is a friend of Mike’s and she helps him out by babysitting his sister Abby for free. She has a complicated and heavy life of her own, which forces her to have to make some tough decisions that don’t end well.
How did you find the experience on set of a horror film and how was it being part of the film adaptation of the video games?
It was awesome! I actually never played the video games, so it was all new to me! The animatronics were just incredible to be around. They were eight feet tall and so freaky, which made my job easier! The sets were so awesome to walk around. I loved looking at the pizzeria and getting to be buried with the animatronics in the parts and services room. I really made sure to stop and take in the whole experience because it was definitely one of a kind.
What was it like reading the script for the first time and what was Max like to play?
I didn’t read the script until after I had gotten the role. I remember just being so happy with how good and interesting it was. I know I’m biased, but I love the storyline of it all. It’s so strange and interesting, so props to Scott Cawthon, Emma Tammi, and Seth Cuddeback. I loved getting to portray Max’s internal struggle with making this really terrible choice to help Aunt Jane. I also loved Max’s clothes because they were all super comfy and made trailer naps so lovely. Filming Max’s scenes walking down the hallways and finding Freddy was awesome. I’ve always dreamed of doing scenes like that because I’m a huge horror fan. Finally getting to see myself up there playing the girl in the horror movie checking out the creepy situation was a surreal feeling.
How was it filming alongside a cast including Josh Hutcherson and Piper Rubio and being directed by Emma Tammi?
Everyone was so genuinely kind and made the experience a dream. Josh is such a kind, humble, and hardworking dude. Piper was the sweetest and a joy on set. Emma was so wonderful and really made me feel so comfortable and eased my nerves. Such a strong but calming presence and I loved working with her.
What has it been like seeing the fan response to Five Nights at Freddy’s and your character Max?
It’s very unexpected, honestly. I didn’t think many people were even going to care or notice me much. The fan response has been overwhelmingly wonderful. So many both kind and hilarious fan edits and comments. I think the bite jokes are hilarious and I enjoy interacting with everyone.
Can tell us about the feature film Popular Theory, in which you play Casey, and what was it like to work on?
Casey was one of my most fun characters I’ve played so far. In the film, she has these moments where she’s just completely unhinged and that was a blast to do. The movie is so wonderful, the reviews have been awesome, and I’m so proud to be a part of it, even though I look a little (lot) crazy in it.
You played Presley in the 2021 musical film A Week Away opposite Bailee Madison, Kevin Quinn and Jahbril Cook, what are some of your favourite memories from your time filming the project?
The whole thing was awesome. It was my first movie ever, so the fact it was a Netflix movie musical was awesome. I loved just being at the actual camp and getting to do all the fun stuff there like zip lining and jumping on the trampoline blob thing. We just got to run around and hang out with everyone like we were really at a summer camp.
What was it like recording the musical numbers/soundtrack and seeing the completed film when it was released on Netflix?
It was my first time in a recording studio so that was really fun but challenging. I’m a musical theatre singer, so this was different for me. I really couldn’t believe it when I saw the whole thing on Netflix. Very surreal dream come true moment. I didn’t ever think I’d be on a cast album for anything, but they did such an incredible job with it. I’m really proud that so many people love the music so much.
Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?
I’m the first person of any family and friends to do this. When I was five, I loved watching movies and TV and would act them out by myself in front of my mirror. I started doing school plays and then moved into community theatre when I was 10! I was a theatre kid my whole life and transitioned to film/TV about five years ago.
Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch and how do you like to spend your free time?
Currently watching The Morning Show. I’m really into baking, cooking, grilling out, and going on walks with my dog!
What are you hoping this year brings for you and do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
Nothing I can say for now but just looking forward to another great year!
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