The 1982 horror anthology movie Keith David in the sinister role of Murdoch in the latter.
In "Pesticide", exterminator Harlan King (Josh McDermitt) is approached by real estate developer Mr. Murdoch (David) to eliminate some pests from a property he hopes to build condos on. Unfortunately, the pests Murdoch tasks Harlan with wiping out are homeless people. With its dark, subversive tone intertwined with horror elements, "Pesticide" is another chilling Creepshow story made even more unnerving by David's portrayal of the villainous Murdoch.
We speak to Keith David on his role as Murdoch on Creepshow, the experience of filming the show during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the social commentary Murdoch brings towards society's treatment of the homeless.
Screen Rant: How did you become involved in Creepshow season 2?
Keith David: Somebody offered me a job! I mean, I didn't have to campaign for it, but if it came up, I would have.
Had you seen Creepshow before season 2?
Keith David: I saw some of the first season, yeah, and loved it. It's a great thing to be a part of.
Did the pandemic affect season 2 at all?
Keith David: Well, the pandemic was still new when I did my episode, so we had protocols that we had to adhere to. In Atlanta, the numbers weren't spiking yet, and they were very, very, very wonderfully careful about all the protocols. So, I had a great time, and we got to do the work.
How was working through the pandemic different from a normal experience on a film set?
Keith David: The wonderful thing about a movie set, making movies is one of the best examples of the art of collaboration and working together. When people are respectful of each other's space and allow people to do the jobs that they do, then we have a wonderful time. Everybody was really quite respectful of that.
I didn't see any hitches in the giddy-up. We had certain protocols we had to adhere to, we had to wear masks when we weren't talking on camera, we kept swabbed down and our hands clean, and socially distanced when we were supposed to. I don't anyone contracting COVID while I was on the set, so it was a great experience.
With the horror anthology format of Creepshow, what really stood out to you about your episode, "Pesticide"?
Keith David: Well, there are many people, and they don't have to be as rich as Mr. Murdoch, who have some despicable feelings about the homeless population and what should be done with them. It ended up being a bit of a political statement, although the episode wasn't really about politics, but it made a big political statement.
The reason why we have so many homeless people is because they're almost seen as outcasts. People like Mr. Murdoch who have the wealth and means to help other people do better don't [because] they just want to keep it to themselves. So, it's easier for them to get rid of them and treat them like vermin than to treat them like human beings.
One of the things to be noticed in the episode is how we as human beings really don't look after ourselves in the best way, and that should be looked at, that should really be thought about. Really, it's up to you and me, the next time you see a homeless [person] on the street, treat them like a human being. If you have money to contribute, then give them some money or something to eat, but if you don't do anything else but say hello to them, treat them like a human being.
What were some of the most memorable experiences or aspects about Creepshow for you?
Keith David: I did enjoy the bugs coming alive!
What was it like collaborating with the rest of the cast of the episode?
Keith David: Josh [McDermitt] from The Walking Dead was really wonderful. He's a great actor and it was wonderful seeing him become this other character. I got to watch him make choices as an actor, and when I watch other actors do good work, it teaches me, it inspires me.
How did you approach portraying Murdoch with his mindset of his extreme disdain for the homeless population?
Keith David: I just have to walk a mile in his shoes. That's not how I think, but that is how he thinks, and my job is to make that as believable as possible.
What was your personal favorite scene or moment from the episode "Pesticide"?
Keith David: I think my favorite moment was offering Harlan the money, and then spraying him with his own bug spray. I enjoyed the hell out of that!
After appearing in season 2 of Creepshow, would you be up for returning to the show?
Keith David: Absolutely, and I hope I get to play one of the bugs this time!
Creepshow season 2 is now on home media.