Peyton Jackson Reveals What Makes The Woman in the Yard a Must-Watch Horror Hit

In the chilling new psychological horror The Woman in the Yard, rising star Peyton Jackson takes on one of his most challenging roles yet. The film, produced by Blumhouse and Universal Pictures, follows a family caught in a terrifying mystery that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural.

As the film hits theaters on March 28, 2025, Jackson sat down with Whereisthebuzz’s Ruby Hernandez to discuss his role, the eerie experience of filming a horror movie, and his aspirations in Hollywood.

A Dream Come True: Joining the Cast of The Woman in the Yard

For Peyton Jackson, stepping into the world of horror has been a lifelong dream. When asked about his reaction to landing a role in the film, his excitement was undeniable.

“It felt awesome because I’ve always wanted to be in a horror film. That was the first thing that really pulled me toward the role. Then I read the script, and it made me practically explode with excitement. So it was an amazing feeling,” Jackson shared.

Being part of a Blumhouse and Universal project is a significant milestone for any actor, and Jackson fully embraced the opportunity to work with some of the most talented people in the industry.

A Deeply Layered Character: Exploring Taylor’s Inner Struggles

In the film, Jackson portrays Taylor, a teenager dealing with immense personal struggles while facing terrifying supernatural occurrences.

“Taylor is definitely a complicated character. He’s going through a lot emotionally. Even though he’s just a normal kid, he comes across as a little mean at times. But really, he’s just trying to cope. He’s dealing with the loss of his father and the near loss of his mother, who is slowly drifting away mentally. On top of that, he has to take care of his younger sister, so all of this weighs on him,” Jackson explained.

For Jackson, playing a character with so much emotional depth was both rewarding and challenging.

“What stood out to me the most was Taylor’s internal conflict. He loves his mom and his family, but as the story unfolds, he starts losing trust in her. That emotional battle really resonated with me. I love playing characters who have something deep to struggle with internally.”

Navigating the Supernatural: A New Challenge in Acting

Although The Woman in the Yard is not Jackson’s first horror film, it presented a unique challenge in portraying fear of the unknown.

“The hardest part for me was reacting to the supernatural elements. I had never played a character who was experiencing something so unexplainable before. I had to figure out how to make it feel real, how to be scared without overacting or underacting. I wanted it to be as believable as possible, like how a real person would react in that situation,” he said.

Because horror movies rely so much on suspense and the unseen, much of the fear has to come from the actors’ performances rather than what is actually in front of them.

“When you watch a horror film, you see exactly what the characters are afraid of. But when you’re acting in one, that thing isn’t always there yet. So you have to use your imagination and really sell the fear so that the audience believes it. That was definitely a fun challenge.”

Working with a Talented Cast and Building On-Screen Chemistry

Jackson had nothing but praise for his castmates, including Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili, Estella Kahiha, and Russell Hornsby.

“Working with the cast was awesome. It was so much fun. Everyone was really good at playing off of each other. Danielle, who plays my mom, was incredible. She’s such a great actress, and I learned a lot from her. Estella, who plays my little sister, was amazing too. She’s so talented, and we had a great bond on set,” Jackson said.

The ability to switch between intense scenes and lighthearted moments off-camera made the filming experience even more special.

“Even though we had some really heavy, emotional scenes, we were able to step out of those moments and still connect as people. That made the whole experience even better.”

Advice for Aspiring Actors: “Don’t Be Afraid to Go for It”

Having navigated the industry at a young age, Jackson offered some valuable advice to those looking to break into Hollywood.

“First of all, don’t be afraid. A lot of people have talent, but they let anxiety hold them back. If this is something you truly want to do, you have to go for it and trust yourself. Secondly, never give up. This industry is a long road. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not as easy as some people think. But if you stay consistent and keep pushing, the opportunities will come.”

He also emphasized the importance of finding good representation.

“If you can, search for an agent or a manager. That’s how you get auditions and roles. It’s a tough business, but if you stay committed and keep honing your craft, you’ll find your place.”

The Future: Superheroes, Voice Acting, and Directing

With The Woman in the Yard now in theaters, Jackson has his sights set on even bigger goals.

“I hope to continue doing TV and film, but I also want to get into voice acting. I love animation, and I think that would be an amazing experience. Down the line, I’d also love to write and direct my own films,” he said.

And when it comes to dream roles, there’s one that stands out.

“I would love to play Spider-Man. That would be amazing. If I ever get the chance to be in a Marvel or DC film, I would take it in a heartbeat.”

A Career Milestone: Blending Horror and Drama

For Jackson, starring in The Woman in the Yard marks a major personal and professional achievement.

“Being in a real horror movie has always been a dream of mine. And what makes this even better is that it’s not just horror, it’s a psychological thriller with a lot of drama. Those are two genres I’ve always wanted to be part of, and I got to do both in this film. That’s a huge accomplishment for me.”

With an intense story, a talented cast, and a chilling atmosphere, The Woman in the Yard promises to be a must-watch for horror fans. Peyton Jackson’s performance adds emotional depth to the film, making it even more gripping.

Now playing in theaters nationwide, this is one terrifying tale you won’t want to miss.