AMC to host movie opening Monday in Poplar Bluff, local man is 'Bigfoot'

While growing up in Southeast Missouri, Roy Ward of Wappapello, was nicknamed ‘Sasquatch’ by his childhood friends.

Ironically, decades later, the tall, burly man would be cast as ‘Bigfoot’ in the new Tom Smugala film, “Interviewing Monsters and Bigfoot,” which will premiere at a special advance local screening. It will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the AMC Showplace 8 theater in Poplar Bluff.

The movie stars comedian Tom Green and Les Stroud of ‘Survivor Man” fame. It is set in the Mark Twain National Forest of Missouri. The dark comedy/murder mystery promises great laughs, plot twists and a shocking ending, according to those involved.

The movie was shot in and around the Arcadia Valley, Missouri area, where late horror actor, Vincent Price, had a summer home. According to Ward, Price owned the 102-acre private estate for many years while working in the movie business. Ward also noted that one of the houses used in the film is one of many cottages located on the Price property.

Ward

Ward was in the Farmington, Missouri area playing a music gig with his band, “Two Lane Highway,” when he was approached by an audience member who happened to be the producer of a new monster movie comedy. The producer asked Ward if he was interested in “being in a movie.” As they say, the rest is history. Through the magic of cinematic makeup, prosthetics and lots of fake hair, Ward would become ‘Bigfoot’.

Asked if he had plans for any future film projects, Ward says he remains busy opening a recording studio in Wappapello and continues writing and playing music. Ward notes his greatest joy in life comes from “chasing grandkids around.”

Fans will have the opportunity to mingle with the film’s producer/director, Tom Smugala, actors including, Ward and A.J. Koehler, plus other stars and extras at 6 p.m. during a red carpet event prior to the screening.

Tickets for the screening are $10 and only available online at eventbrite.com. Tickets will not be available at the door the night of the event. An after party is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Poplar Bluff.