You don’t have to look far to find a teen nurturing an interest in the occult. It’s one of those “It’s not a phase, Mum” phases, where, for a short time, you’re into Ouija boards and ghost hunting. Nowadays, TikTok is the perfect fodder for all your ritualistic information, but this fascination with the supernatural is a tale as old as time. Just in time for Halloween, the brand-new eight-part series Hysteria! has landed, taking us back to the '80s with its retro focus on the "Satanic Panic" that gripped a small Detroit town, consumed by fear. One of its main protagonists, Faith, is played by none other than Nikki Hahn.
At just 21, Hahn already has years of TV experience under her belt, and she shares her insights on her role, her favourite horror movies, and what it was like filming on an '80s set. She also opens up about navigating the complex mother-daughter relationship of her character, Faith: “I think our off-screen friendship and chemistry helped so much in making us feel comfortable enough to really push the limits in our intense scenes and to trust each other.” So, before you binge-watch the series, here’s Nikki’s take on the show and her teasers for some of its highlights.
Hi Nikki, it's lovely to chat with you today! How has life been since Hysteria landed on streaming platforms? What’s been the most surreal moment for you so far?
Hi! Thanks so much for having me! I’ve been great since wrapping Hysteria! I got to travel to Paris and St. Tropez over the summer, I had never been. I’ve also been productive writing songs and have been able to spend time in the studio working on my music. It’s been so surreal to finally get to see teasers and trailers for the show! We started filming April 2023, had to take a 5-6 month break because of the strike, and came back to filming the next year. So to see the show and all our work come together is so rewarding.
You’re no stranger to horror, having played a killer in American Horror Story and now starring in Hysteria! How does it feel to see the other side of the coin, playing Faith? Do you prefer playing the perpetrator or the victim, and how does preparing for each type of role differ?
That’s a great question! Horror is definitely my favourite genre to film, so it’s tricky to pick between perpetrator and victim. I think they are both equally exciting to play, but the preparation varies. Playing a villain is more mental preparation or work for me. I have to find the reasons and justifications for my motives and actions. Playing a victim for me has been a lot more physical. For Hysteria!, I had an amazing stunt-double, but also got to do a lot of my own stunts, which was a great learning experience.
Playing the protagonist in such a surreal plotline must have been a challenge. What draws you to a character? What was it about Faith that made you think, “I have to play her”? And what are your favourite things about her?
I think something that drew me to the character and to show as a whole, was the writing and how well-developed Faith was. I love Faith’s overall arc of finding her individuality and her voice aside from what others expect of her. Her battles, her high school relationships and friendships, and her decisions were so intriguing to me, and I wanted to take that journey with her.
Hysteria! is quite the debaucherous thriller — it must have been a blast on set! Could you share some of its most riveting moments, and without giving too much away, which scene was the most fun to film and which one terrified you the most?
Some of the most terrifying scenes I had to film were in the first and fifth episodes. I definitely wasn’t pretending to be scared, the actors and the environment were genuinely scary, so I had a lot of natural fight or flight responses that you’ll get to see, mostly in episode 5. Episode 4 was definitely a lot of fun to film, and you get to see Faith experience high school life for the first time. In the midst of episode 5’s dark moments, Faith has some lighter moments that I hope fans can enjoy!
Do you enjoy horror as a genre? If so, what are some of your favourite horror movies or TV shows?
I absolutely love horror! One of my all-time favourites is Pet Sematary from 1989. I also love Carrie and The Omen, both from 1976.
The series that just launched explores the timeless theme of intergenerational misunderstandings, and your character’s relationship with Julie Bowen, who plays your mother, is particularly challenging. Mother-daughter dynamics are notoriously complex. How did you and Julie shape your on-screen relationship, and how did that dynamic translate off-set?
Anna Camp quickly became one of my best friends on set, which is a huge contrast to our rocky relationship onscreen. I think our off-screen friendship and chemistry helped so much in us feeling comfortable to really push the limits in our intense scenes and to trust each other. In terms of shaping our relationship, Anna and I did not rehearse or plan our reactions toward each other before stepping in front of the camera. Everything you’re seeing is an organic reaction that I’m experiencing for the first time, which is my favourite way to approach a scene.
Since Hysteria! focuses on rebellion, especially with the late 80s "Satanic Panic" and its influence on youth culture, would you say you were ever a rebellious teen? What’s the most rebellious thing you remember doing?
I was not a rebellious teen at all! The most rebellious thing I’ve ever done was get into a food fight at a Catholic school in 1st grade. I was 5 years old, and I was defending my friend from a bully, so I started throwing my food, but the principal caught me.
It must’ve been a lot of fun working on an ‘80s set with all the retro costumes, hair, and makeup. Do you ever wish you were born in that era, and did you take any style inspiration from Faith’s wardrobe?
I definitely manifested this show. I am obsessed with the ‘80s. I practically live in the ‘80s, I listen to ‘80s metal, shop vintage, and go to ‘80s concerts every chance I get. So this was a dream role for me. I did get to collaborate and pull inspiration from some of my favourite ‘80s makeup looks for some of Faith’s lighter scenes. I don’t necessarily dress like Faith in real life, I am very inspired by ‘80s and ‘90s rock fashion, but there were a couple outfits I wish I could’ve kept!
You’ve been in the industry from a young age, starring in beloved Gen Z favourites like iCarly and Pretty Little Liars. How has the process of transitioning from child actor to more mature roles been for you? What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
It’s been a pretty easy transition for me. I kind of grew up on camera so most of the roles I’ve taken have matched my age group. So it felt like a natural progression. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is perseverance. Rejection comes with the territory so it’s important to just keep going.
Lastly, Hysteria! has arrived at the perfect time, with Halloween just around the corner! What are your plans, and do you have a costume in mind?
Ahhh I’m not sure yet! I love Halloween and always dress up, but I don’t have any ideas yet. Every year I go to Halloween Horror Nights, and actually got to go with the cast this year! I’m sure we’ll be planning some spooky activities together, since we’re very close.