Fyang Smith humbled by ‘horror princess’ tag: ‘Malaking responsibility’
Fyang Smith reacted to being called the next “horror princess,” a title often associated with Kris Aquino and Kim Chiu, saying she considers it a big responsibility given the legacy of those who came before her.
Smith, who is set to star in the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) horror entry “Haunted Carnival,” said she has yet to fully embrace the label, noting that she is still relatively new to the horror genre.
“Sa sobrang laking pangalan niya, hindi ko pa tine-take na ganoon ako. Kasi marami na silang pinagdaanan, ako nakakadalawa pa lang ako, so malaking responsibility din siya,” she said.
The “PBB: Gen 11” big winner was referring to the actresses who have previously been associated with the “horror princess” title, including Aquino and Chiu, who have appeared in the iconic horror films “Feng Shui,” and “The Healing,” respectively.
READ: John Arcilla says horror films don’t scare him, but corrupt politicians do
Smith previously ventured into the genre through “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins” (2025) and is set to return to the big screen with “Haunted Carnival,” which will be part of this year’s MMFF lineup.
Talking about her experience in her latest horror offering, Smith admitted that “Haunted Carnival” mentally exhausted her, citing tendencies to bring the heavy energy from the set to her home.
“I think mentally ako napagod. Physical din naman, of course. Kasi takbo-takbo. Pero kasi pag physically, papahinga mo lang. And then the next day, wala na. Pero mentally talaga, because of course, yung mga eksena mo, hindi naman nangyayari sa totoong buhay so lagi ko siya na-iimagine. And minsan nadadala ko kasi siya sa sobrang bigat ng eksena, nadadala ko siya sa bahay,” she shared.
Aside from Smith, the horror slasher also stars Maricel Soriano, Julia Barretto, James Reid, John Arcilla, RK Bagatsing, Ronnie Alonte, Charlie Fleming, Prince Carlos and Joaquin Arce, among others.
Directed by Joey De Guzman, the film is set for release in cinemas on Dec. 25. It is the third installment in Regal Entertainment’s “Haunted” movie franchise, following “Haunted Mansion” (2015) and “Haunted Forest” (2017). /ra