OlderGaten Matarazzo Defends His Controversial New Netflix Prank Show
Gaten Matarazzo is clarifying some things about his new Netflix show, Prank Encounters.
The 16-year-old Stranger Things actor is hosting and executive producing the new series, which Netflix reps have described as “terrifying and hilarious” and involving pranks played on “two complete strangers who each think they’re starting their first day at a new job.”
“It’s business as usual until their paths collide and these part-time jobs turn into full-time nightmares,” Netflix added in describing the series.
The show immediately drew ire online from people who pointed out that it wasn’t funny to trick job seekers into thinking they had found work, only to pull a “terrifying” prank on them instead.
On Thursday (June 20), Gaten took to Instagram to defend the show and clarify its premise.
“Hey everybody. So, right now, I’m in Korea on my press tour and I’m making this video to address some of the negativity that’s been surrounding the new prank show that I’m doing called Prank Encounters, which is gonna be on Netflix,” he said in a selfie video. “I think I Just wanna clear up a little bit of confusion about the show. I just want to let everybody know that those who participated were fully aware that it was going to be a one-day gig going in. Nobody was promised a part-time or full-time job and everybody was compensated. Those who did participate had an amazing time. Though the pranks are scary and over-the-top, and nothing has really been done before, everybody enjoyed them very, very much and once all was said and done, everyone was laughing and having a great time and everybody left set happy and satisfied.”
Gaten also made a point to thank fans who raised concerns about the ethical issues involved for their concern and thoughtfulness.
“I really, really appreciate your concern for these people and their well-being and we really hope that you have as much fun watching the show as we did making it. Thank you guys so, so much.”
Netflix has also spoken out to clarify the show’s premise. In a statement to BuzzFeed, the streaming giant said, “The pranks in Prank Encounters are spooky, supernatural, and over the top, and everyone had a great time. All participants came in with the expectation this was a one-day, hourly gig and everyone got paid for their time.”
Click here for the latest spoilers about what’s next for Gatan Matarazzo’s Stranger Things character!
