Danny Zovatto Transforms into the Dating Game Killer in Woman of the Hour

Danny Zovatto Shares Insights on Playing Infamous Dating Game Killer Rodney Alcala in Woman of the Hour

 

Danny Zovatto stepped into the shoes of one of America’s most notorious serial killers, Rodney Alcala, for the Netflix film Woman of the Hour. The film marks Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut and premiered on October 18, 2024. Speaking with Us Weekly, Zovatto opened up about the transformation process he underwent to embody Alcala, which included significant physical changes.

 

The 33-year-old actor revealed, “I indulged in pizza and ice cream non-stop. I had to gain weight to capture the essence of Rodney’s appearance.” Zovatto noted that Alcala’s demeanor and physicality were integral to his performance, highlighting the importance of wardrobe choices reflective of the ‘70s, which helped immerse him in the character.

 

Woman of the Hour chronicles the story of Alcala, who gained infamy as the Dating Game Killer after appearing as a charming contestant on the show in 1978. Opposite bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw, portrayed by Kendrick, Alcala initially captivated her, but she later felt uneasy and declined to go on a date with him. The chilling reality is that Alcala had already been a serial killer for nearly a decade at the time of the show, later receiving multiple death sentences throughout his legal battles until his eventual death in 2021 due to natural causes.

 

Zovatto faced the challenge of portraying Alcala’s “chameleon-like” behavior, admitting that thorough research was crucial. While full episodes of the iconic Dating Game have largely been lost, Zovatto studied victim photographs that became pivotal in Alcala’s conviction. He shared, “Alcala was a photographer, and he would often capture images of women and young boys, leaving behind a locker filled with haunting photos.”

 

According to Zovatto, Alcala had an exceptional ability to disarm potential victims, creating a façade that made them feel safe. “He had this talent for making people lower their guard, making it vital for me to access that charm to portray him authentically,” Zovatto remarked.

 

Kendrick’s film diverges from typical true crime narratives by emphasizing the experiences of Alcala’s female victims rather than glorifying the killer himself. Zovatto expressed his enthusiasm about this unique direction, stating, “The role of Rodney is something every actor hopes for. I was thrilled when Anna reached out to discuss the project, and I knew it was an opportunity to contribute to a story that honors the victims rather than sensationalizing the perpetrator.”

 

As Zovatto approached the role, he highlighted Kendrick’s innovative filmmaking style, which helped to manage the tension of portraying such a dark character. “She created dream-like sequences for The Dating Game scenes, which alleviated some weight while still capturing the essence of the story,” he explained.

 

Beyond the challenges during shooting, Zovatto appreciated working with Kendrick, noting her understanding of his needs as an actor during emotionally intense scenes. “The atmosphere on set was supportive and constructive. Anna fostered an environment that encouraged taking creative risks,” he remarked.

 

Recognizing his affinity for horror films, Zovatto acknowledged his excitement for such projects and expressed a desire to branch out into lighter genres in the future, including romantic comedies. He mused, “I’ve never done one, but why not explore that side?”

 

When asked about his dream co-star, Zovatto didn’t hesitate: “Jennifer Aniston has always been my crush. It’s a long shot, but you never know!”

 

Now streaming on Netflix, Woman of the Hour urges viewers to engage with a chilling part of history through a fresh lens that honors the voices of those who were victimized.