If there’s one thing that makes a show like Evil special, it is the well-made demons, monsters, and other creatures that appear. The series follows three assessors from the Catholic Church: Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), Father David Acosta (Mike Colter), and Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi).
They investigate and examine strange events happening around New York. The show gives us many scares across its 50 episodes, never shying away from making its monsters bigger, bolder, and even a bit silly.
But are the demons in Evil real? How did the filmmakers bring them to life? Now that the series is finished, we look for answers until more comes our way.
Are the Demons of Evil Real?
When Evil began, Kristen, Ben, and David tried to explain almost every strange event they encountered. The show seemed to suggest that supernatural demons were only symbols of psychological issues, a view Kristen holds for most of the series.
Sometimes, the demons are shown as hallucinations, but the audience sees many grotesque monsters. Even Michael Emerson’s character, Leland Townsend, who believes strongly in Satan, hints that the forces of darkness use natural ways to influence people, like Kristen’s mother, Sheryl (Christine Lahti).
Over time, especially with characters like Sister Andrew (Andrea Martin), Evil starts to suggest that the supernatural might be real and that many demons shown earlier could be genuine.
By Season 3, it becomes clear that demonic forces are a real threat. The introduction of the Entity and different beliefs within that group shows that even if Evil’s demons represent spiritual or psychological issues, the ultimate goals of various demonic groups remain evil.
The series frames it as demons existing but using ordinary, everyday methods to get what they want. Characters like Leland, who is not a demon himself, act under the influence of the Devil. Other characters, like Sheryl, become human tools in a demonic plan. As the series progresses, the connection becomes clearer to the main characters.
We also see some demons switch from one character’s viewpoint to another. In Season 2, the Fire Jinn first appears to a young girl before haunting Kristen. This creature reflects Kristen’s own struggles, and only after an exorcism, which she believes worked only as a placebo, does she find freedom from the fire-headed monster.
Similarly, Andy Bouchard (Patrick Brammall), who has not met demons before, finds many familiar ones in their unfinished house at the end of “The Demon of the End.”
Still from Evil (Credit: Paramount+)
Sister Andrea sees the same evil beings. Demons in Evil make people feel insane, which adds to their effectiveness. They may use ordinary methods to achieve their goals, similar to how Satan uses humans and nature in the biblical Book of Job, but that does not make them any less real.
Evil’s Demons Are Made Practically (and Enhanced Digitally)
What truly sets Evil’s demons apart is not their reality but how they look. Many well-known creators, including Stephen King and Guillermo del Toro, have praised the show for its creepiness. Del Toro highlighted that Evil has become his favorite place for creature design, specifically pointing out the Antichrist Demon Baby from Seasons 3-4.
After Season 3, the creators, Robert and Michelle King, explained that most demon creatures are made with practical special effects, which adds to their spooky appearance. Robert King said, “Often, I find horror movies or TV shows throw me out of it because I can tell when it’s CGI, and I know there’s an unreality to it.
What works best is when [special character designer Joel Harlow] does something real, and then maybe CGI wings need to be attached to it.”
An example is the Bat Demon, which first appears in Season 2’s “C Is for Cannibal” and returns in “The Demon of the Road.” A behind-the-scenes feature shared on Paramount+’s YouTube shows a shot of the Bat Demon on set, followed by the digital version created later.
The only notable change is that the demon’s eyes glow red, which was intended for filming but failed due to a dead battery pack. They added wings in post-production, but otherwise, Harlow and his team sculpted the monster themselves, which is true for most demonic characters in the show.
In an interview with IndieWire, Harlow discussed the hard work behind these creatures. One example is the cannibalistic giant pig from Season 4’s “How to Slaughter a Pig.” Harlow explained that it took about four months to create the demon pig, even though it appears on screen for less than a minute.
Still from Evil (Credit: Paramount+)
Still, he felt thrilled to be part of such a project. “It’s the fulfillment of a childhood dream,” he said, calling Evil a unique creative opportunity. This shows the incredible effort that the creature artists put in to bring these monsters to life.
Marti Matulis Doesn’t Take His Demonic Characters Too Seriously
Did you know that many demons and monsters in Evil are played by the same actor? If you have not heard of Marti Matulis, now is the time to learn. Matulis has been with Evil since the beginning, playing George, Kristen’s night terror demon in the first season.
He also plays Leland’s Therapist Demon in Seasons 1-2 and the Manager Demon in Seasons 3-4. Throughout the show, he took on the roles of the Fire Jinn, the Bat Demon, the Mosquito Demon, the Sex/Marriage Demon, and more. He even portrayed the frightening version of the Archangel Michael in Season 2’s “A Is for Angel.”
Having acted alongside almost every cast member, it is clear that Matulis has a great talent for these characters and shows great variety in his performances.
Character designer Joel Harlow introduced Marti Matulis to the creators and showrunners, Robert and Michelle King. They chose to work with him throughout the series, which includes appearances in other creature-heavy shows like Sleepy Hollow, Teen Wolf, and Grimm.
Matulis appeared in 33 episodes of the four-season series and enjoyed every moment. In an interview for “Behind the Monsters,” Matulis explained that his success in playing monsters comes from not taking them too seriously.
“This work is about playing, so maintaining that kind of childlike, playful attitude is really super key,” he said. To him, acting as monsters is like a game, and this lightheartedness helps him truly own these roles.
Still from Evil (Credit: Paramount+)
In many ways, the creatures of Evil contribute to the show’s success. While the demonic threats are real, it is the personality that actors like Marti Matulis and others, such as Ashley Edner and Fedor Steer (who played Abbey the Succubus and the Massive Stick Demon), give that helps the show stand out from other supernatural series.
Each monster is memorable and adds to the larger story that challenges the beliefs of Kristen, David, and Ben as they battle against darkness. This achievement comes from the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in creating these creatures and the skillful way the Evil story unfolds.
Evil attracts audiences with its imaginative demons and engaging storytelling. The blend of practical effects and talented actors, like Marti Matulis, brings the terrifying creatures to life. As viewers reflect on the series, they appreciate the blend of horror and humor that makes Evil truly unique.
Evil is available for streaming on Paramount+.
Better close your doors and shut your windows tight! MGMT+’s sci-fi thriller series From is returning for Season 3. Township opens its roads once again and traps its inhabitants in mere seconds.
Set in a creepy small American town in the middle of nowhere, From follows a group of people who get stuck there. No matter what they do, they cannot leave. If that isn’t bad enough, once the sun sets, terrifying creatures emerge from the woods, turning every night into a fight for survival.
Boyd Stevens as Harold Perrineau
Boyd Stevens, played by Harold Perrineau, is an Iraq War veteran. He steps up as the unofficial leader, trying to keep everyone alive while they figure out what’s going on.
However, the more secrets Boyd uncovers, the more trouble he faces with the flesh-eating creatures surrounding the town. Season 3 of From is set to premiere on Sunday, September 22. In the meantime, check out who is back in town in the cast and character guide below.
Harold Perrineau as Boyd Stevens
Harold Perrineau stars as Boyd Stevens, the no-nonsense sheriff and de facto mayor of the mysterious town. Boyd’s military background shapes his leadership as he works to keep the town organized and its residents safe from growing dangers.
Haunted by the memory of losing a fellow soldier in combat, Boyd’s past trauma drives him to protect those around him. Perrineau is well-known for his roles in Lost, Oz, and The Matrix franchise, making him a household name in thrillers.
Eion Bailey as Jim Matthews
Eion Bailey plays Jim Matthews, a protective father and former amusement park engineer who, along with his family, gets stuck in the mysterious town. Jim and his family faced a personal tragedy that has left them scarred. He and his wife lost their infant son, Thomas, in a heartbreaking incident that almost led to divorce.
Still from From (Credit: MGM+)
As a last attempt to keep the family together, they planned a road trip, only to end up trapped. Bailey is also known for his roles in Ray Donovan, Once Upon a Time, and Band of Brothers.
Catalina Sandino Moreno as Tabitha Matthews
Catalina Sandino Moreno plays Tabitha Matthews, a fiercely protective mother trapped with her family in Township. Despite feeling hopeless about her circumstances, Tabitha is determined to keep her children safe from deadly monsters.
A seasoned actress, Moreno earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Maria Full of Grace. She has also received accolades from Sundance and Berlin. Moreno will appear in the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, alongside Ana de Armas.
David Alpay as Jade Herrera
David Alpay stars as Jade Herrera, a software developer who gets trapped in Township on the same day as the Matthews family. Coming from a wealthy background, Jade learns that no amount of money can save him from the flesh-eating creatures hiding in the woods.
His affluent upbringing makes him aggressive and demanding toward the other trapped residents. Although his personality can be off-putting, Jade has proven useful to the community by using his intelligence and logic to uncover the town’s hidden mysteries. Before From, Alpay appeared in Red Rooms and Man of the Year.
Elizabeth Saunders as Donna Raines
Elizabeth Saunders plays Donna Raines, the leader of Colony House. At first glance, she appears hard-hearted and intimidating. Donna does whatever she can to protect the town’s innocent residents from harm. However, beneath her tough exterior, Donna is just as scared and confused as everyone else.
One thing is clear: any monster planning to harm anyone will have to get through her first. Saunders has appeared in Mary Kills People, Orphan Black, and IT. She has also starred in various theater productions.
Hannah Cheramy as Julie Matthews
Hannah Cheramy stars as Julie Matthews, the teenage daughter of Jim and Tabitha Matthews. Together with her family, she becomes trapped in Township during a road trip. The reality of spending her teenage years lost in a mysterious land drains her carefree spirit.
Still from From (Credit: MGM+)
Luckily, she eventually befriends Ellis Stevens and Fatima Hassan, helping her make the best of her bleak situation. Cheramy began her acting career in theater productions and commercials before starring in a horror film.
Ricky He as Kenny Liu
Ricky He plays Kenny Liu, the son of Chinese immigrants Bing-Qian and Tian-Chen Liu. Originally from College Station, Texas, Kenny takes care of his aging parents, especially his father, who has dementia. In Township, Kenny becomes Boyd’s trusted sheriff’s deputy and right-hand man.
As he bears the weight of his responsibilities, it is only a matter of time before Kenny starts to crack. He has also appeared in ABC’s Good Doctor and starred in Disney Channel’s Freaky Friday musical movie, along with roles in Arrow, A Million Little Things, and Trial & Error.
Scott McCord as Victor Kavanaugh
Scott McCord stars as Victor Kavanaugh, a long-time resident of Township. Unlike others, Victor has been trapped there since he was a young boy. Having spent most of his life in this area, he knows much about the town’s mysteries and the deadly creatures that lurk at night.
His knowledge comes with a price, particularly due to a childhood incident involving the creatures and the death of his close sibling. McCord has acted in Jupiter’s Legacy, Lost Girl, and Murdoch Mysteries.
Chloe Van Landschoot as Kristi Miller
Chloe Van Landschoot plays Kristi Miller, a third-year medical student who gets separated from her fiancé after being trapped. Like the others, Kristi is pulled into Township while traveling. She was supposed to make a trip from Detroit to Grand Rapids but ends up trapped.
Still from From (Credit: MGM+)
With her medical background, Kristi serves as the town’s doctor. Previously, Landschoot appeared in Lune and Chris Watts: Confessions of a Killer.
Avery Konrad as Sara Myers
Avery Konrad stars as Sara Myers, Nathan’s sister. Before getting trapped, Sara suffered from domestic abuse from her boyfriend. After being rescued by Nathan, they packed their bags and hit the road. While driving from Pennsylvania to Boston, they unexpectedly became trapped.
Life for Sara isn’t dull; she works at the diner, taking orders and serving tables. Sara has a deeper connection to the town than she realizes. She often experiences unwanted hallucinations or visions that lead to consequences for herself and her loved ones.
Recently, Konrad appeared in the Paramount+ movie Honor Society alongside Angourie Rice, Gaten Matarazzo, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
Simon Webster as Ethan Matthews
Simon Webster stars as Ethan Matthews, the younger brother of Julie and son of Jim and Tabitha Matthews. Despite his family’s tragic past and the grim reality of being trapped, Ethan sees the world through rose-colored glasses.
With his child-like imagination, he treats real-life situations like a whimsical quest, which helps him adapt to unforeseen challenges.
Webster began acting at just six years old, including a role as the young orphan Fred in nine episodes of Hallmark Channel’s When Hope Calls. He has also appeared in several series, including Most Dangerous Game and Chucky on Syfy.
Corteon Moore as Ellis Stevens
Corteon Moore stars as Ellis Stevens, Boyd Stevens’ son and a skilled artist. Due to his father’s work, Ellis has a hard time breaking out of his father’s strict shell. Despite being raised in a no-nonsense household, Ellis is willing to show his feelings.
Still from From (Credit: MGM+)
In the show, Ellis falls in love with fellow Colony House resident Fatima Hassan, and they later form a relationship. Moore is also involved in cinematic curation with his film festival, “Marmalade,” and is known for his award-winning short film, Where There’s Smoke.
Pegah Ghafoori as Fatima Hassan
Pegah Ghafoori plays Fatima Stevens, a Township resident living in Colony House. Originally from Iran, she is the daughter of a cleric whose outspoken beliefs have gotten him in trouble with the government, leading to his abduction.
After this incident, Fatima and her family moved to the United States to escape their troubles. Despite feeling trapped, Fatima manages to bring hope to the gloomiest situations. She develops a loving relationship with Ellis, and they eventually get married. Ghafoori previously appeared in One Must Was Eyes and Hello Au Revoir.
Robert Joy as Henry
Robert Joy stars as Henry, a new character in Season 3. While his origins remain confidential, he is rumored to have a bad temper that others should not provoke. Joy is best known for his role as medical examiner Sid Hammerback on CSI: NY. He has also appeared in movies like Land of the Dead and The Hills Have Eyes.
Samantha Brown as Acosta
Samantha Brown stars as Acosta, another new character in Season 3. Not much is known about her yet, but Acosta is reported to be a cop whose plans do not always go her way. Brown has previously starred in Holdout and Blackberry.
From returns for Season 3, set in a creepy town where residents cannot escape. As night falls, terrifying creatures emerge, turning survival into a struggle. Unofficial leader Boyd Stevens, along with other trapped characters, faces dark secrets and dangers while showing the horrors of Township. The season premieres on September 22.
