Ella Dixon talks about “The Bad Seed Returns”, what it was like working with the cast, future projects and more. (Exclusive)

Photo Credit: Unit cr. Allister Foster, Mackenzie Walker // Courtesy of Lifetime

Written by: Gracie Lowes

Get ready horror fans… on September 8th, The Bad Seed is back with a new movie and more new faces.

“The Bad Seed Returns” is the sequel to the 2018 film which follows “Emma (Mckenna Grace), a typical teenage girl who is anything but that. Meanwhile, a new girl at school seems to know Emma’s secrets, leaving Emma to take care of her enemies by any means necessary.”

I had the chance to sit down (virtually) with actress Ella Dixon who plays “Kat” in the new film, to talk to her about her time on set, what this experience was like for her, what she hopes viewers take from the film, and more.

You can read the full interview below.

photo credit: Deidhra Fahey

Gracie: Congratulations on “THE BAD SEED RETURNS”! How do you feel as the release date of the film being seen is finally approaching?

Ella Dixon: It’s super exciting! I’m so proud of this film, and the work that the cast and crew put in throughout. I’m really excited to share this story with the audience!

Gracie: This film is a sequel to the 2018 film, were you are a fan of the original movie.

Ella: Growing up, I was a huge fan of Mckenna’s. Getting to watch her in projects like The Haunting of Hill House and I, Tonya was really inspirational to me, seeing as we’re around the same age. When I was first introduced to The Bad Seed Returns, I watched both Mckenna’s work in the first film and the Patty McCormack classic… Needless to say, I was hooked right away. Both films are so good!

Gracie: What can viewers expect from this movie?

Ella: I would say viewers can expect the unexpected. There’s a lot of tension, a lot of suspense… who’s to say what mischief Emma will (try) to get up to.

Photo Credit: Unit cr. Allister Foster, Mackenzie Walker // Courtesy of Lifetime

Gracie: In the film you play “Kat”, could you tell us a little bit about your character?

Ella: My character Kat has been through a lot in life. She’s seen some dark times, and out of that I think she’s become an incredibly strong, willful person. She knows Emma from before, and knows all about her dark secrets. Coming into this film, Kat is on a mission to expose the truth, and isn’t about to let anything get in her way.

Gracie: “The bad seed” has been a well-known movie since the original in 1956, did you feel any pressure or was there any worry about adding onto this film’s legacy with a sequel?

Ella: There is such a strong legacy behind this film. With Mckenna and Ross’ writing, and the direction of Louise Archambault, there was a strong emphasis on vulnerability throughout the film. It was so interesting to explore the story this way, and really fun, too. I realize that at the end of the day, everything we ever do stems from vulnerability, some deep-seated need. By bringing that vulnerability to the surface in the film, it made each character even more complex and magnetic, something I think the audience will really enjoy.

Photo Credit: Unit cr. Allister Foster, Mackenzie Walker // Courtesy of Lifetime

Gracie: Do you have a favorite moment or memory from the set?

Ella: There were so many fun moments! I remember it was the last day of filming, and it was about a week until Christmas, so the entire crew had an ugly sweater competition. One of our camera operators was wearing a sweater with a bullseye on the back, and he had a bunch of like, ping pong balls with velcro attached. Basically, we all stole little moments throughout the day to have mini competitions on who could hit the target on the camera op’s sweater the most. I think Mckenna and I ended up tying for our round… It was so fun, we couldn’t stop laughing! It was a really nice way to end such a great project.

Gracie: If you could describe this film in three words what would they be and why?

Ella: The Bad Seed Returns is suspenseful, riveting, and yes- dangerously fun. Tune in to find out exactly why…

Gracie: Do you have any future projects you could hint at or talk about?

Ella: Right now, I’m really open to whatever the world has in store for me. I love to write, and I actually just recently wrote a five-part limited series that I would love to see come to fruition someday! I’m always looking to learn and grow in any way that I can as an actor, a writer, and as a person, so I’m really excited to see what’s next!

The Bad Seed Returns will be out on Monday September 8th, until then you can re-watch The Bad Seed or watch the final trailer for the sequel below!