Zack Morris Shares His Love for Horror and Playing Isaiah on Disney+’s Goosebumps
There have been a lot of live-action iterations of the beloved Goosebumps horror franchise over the years, but the latest series, which started airing in October on Disney+ and Hulu, just might be the best yet.
The new show follows five high schoolers who begin to uncover the long-forgotten secrets of a mysterious death, only to discover that their parents may have played their own roles in the crime. Across 10 episodes, it's filled with heart, humor and some seriously solid scares, and while all of the show's young stars are fantastic, we think Zack Morris is a standout. The English actor is probably known best across the pond for starring in more than 400 episodes of BBC soap opera EastEnders as Keegan, and he's ready to make just as much of a splash in the States. We got the chance to chat with him about the role in the interview below.
Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?
Zack Morris: I started acting when I was a kid. I was trying out loads of hobbies—my family wanted to put me into football (soccer), but I was never really that good. However, I really wanted to do something extracurricular. I saw a show with my family when I was around 7 and said to my grandparents and mum that I wanted to be on the stage. They said I had to go to drama and dance classes, so I said "Bet, let's go!" I started going to classes shortly after and was working professionally on screen and onstage by age 9. I haven't stopped since!
SH: Have you always been a Goosebumps fan? What has it meant to you to join such a beloved and long-standing franchise?
ZM: Yes! I was always a Goosebumps fan. I read the books in primary school, and, as someone who wasn't a big reader, I was always drawn to the books by the cover art, so I had to read them! To be a part of the next generation of Goosebumps is dope because, for some people, this will be their Goosebumps, and to be a part of that story is pretty cool.
(Photo credit: Disney/David Astorga)
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SH: Are you a big horror fan at all?
ZM: Yes, I've always been a fan of horror movies and thrillers. Weirdly, I went through a stage from like 13 to 15 where I would go to Blockbuster and rent loads of horror movies just to watch on my own. I don't know why, but I was just obsessed with horror movies, as well as comedies.
SH: What can you tell us about your character, Isaiah? What is his role in the larger series?
ZM: Isaiah is one of the main protagonists of the series. He is the first one we see to come across one of the haunted items, which essentially triggers the chain of events that follows. He's a popular high school kid who's the star quarterback. He's outgoing, but not rude, and focused—sometimes to a fault.
(Photo credit: Disney/David Astorga)
SH: How similar are you to Isaiah in real life? What would you say are your biggest similarities and differences?
ZM: I'd say the biggest similarity between myself and the character of Isaiah is our ambition. His desire to become a pro footballer is parallel to my ambition in my own career in the arts. As for differences, I've never thrown a touchdown pass like him. Haha!
SH: What was your most memorable moment from the set?
ZM: Getting chased by football zombies! That was dope.
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SH: Where else can we see your work right now?
ZM: I recently did an action thriller called Jericho Ridge where I play a character called Monty Temple.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
ZM: If you haven't already, stream all 10 episodes of Goosebumps on Disney+ and Hulu! I hope you enjoy the show, follow me on socials and stay safe.
(Photo credit: Disney/David Astorga)
To hear more from the stars of our favorite horror franchises, click HERE to read our interview with Kat Conner Sterling on her role in Five Nights at Freddy's.