Original-Cin Chat: 'Ice Cream Man' Ari Millen Speaks Out on Behalf of Misunderstood Film Psychos
On the heels of the title role in the Eli Roth slasher film Ice Cream Man, fantasy and horror dominates Ari Millen’s filmography. Orphan Black, 12 Monkeys, The Expanse -- Millen seems on a pre-destined path.
At Fan Expo Canada 2026, Original-Cin talked with the Kingston native Millen about horror, Ice Cream Man, his experience at the convention, and his future film projects.
We first asked what sort of feedback he was getting at Fan Expo Canada and about Ice Cream Man?
Ari Millen as the frozen treat vendor with the killer smile.
“Just great fun! You know, when I did Orphan Black, I was at conventions but I did the panel side of it. This is my first foray into my own booth. I feel welcomed and included. What always strikes me is the inclusivity. It really is a safe space. The genuine connection – it’s quality interaction with the fans.”
Were the horror roles in his career by choice or chance?
“It’s a lot of chance.” Millen said. “I hate to say that I have a face for it!” He laughed.
Ari Millen
“But no. I’m fortunate enough that people have wanted to cast me in these roles. I’m happy for it. And playing the bad guy or someone who is troubled, especially in sci-fi or thriller roles? There’s a lot more meat on the bone for these roles. So, I’m thankful.”
An appropriate choice of words. We asked what attracted him to the role.
“Can I humanize it? I ask the question how can I bring the humanity to it? I say that because I don’t want it to be two-dimensional and uninteresting.”
How does one do that?
“So, I think it might be cliché, but nobody ever thinks that they’re the bad guy. It’s finding the justification for the choice, that finite character story. I never want to play bad – I want to play the reason for why the character made that choice.”
In a sense, bringing meaning to the monster.
The main role in Ice Cream Man, Jonathan Smiley, was certainly a monster in most people’s eyes. Smiley demurs. “I am absolutely not the bad guy in that movie. Jonathan Smiley is coming from a war-torn country where innocence was stolen from children. Children, where he was from, lost their innocence and coming to America? He wants to make children happy.”
By killing their parents?
“You have to remember the circumstances that happened to him. He was scapegoated. So those children who grew up? He punishes them for their actions. They grew up, which took away the innocence. So, he punishes them for their sins and prevents their kids from growing up which protects them.”
Millen’s justification for the Ice Cream Man ‘s actions suggests a second viewing with that perspective, and that would certainly help the box office. But what it was like working with Eli Roth?
“It’s rare when an American film made in Canada casts a Canadian in the lead role. Yay Eli Roth. The best memory I have of that film is the community that Eli built - 80 kids on set, some of the biggest stunts? He is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He was always approachable, always had a smile on his face. He surrounded us with good people and made it a dream job.”
Of course, the greatest horror stems from real life. We talked about Millen’s upcoming project, Death of a Yellow Bird. While not much can be said about the film at this point, suffice it to say an element of real life provides the basis for a fearful story.
We ended the conversation turning back to a final thought about Ice Cream Man and horror.
“These roles will reach people on a different level. What was really special about the film is that it a basis of someone’s history. Jonathan Smiley had a real-life reason for becoming a monster. But then real life is always scarier than horror.”
Even if Ari’s proclivity for horror is based on chance, it’s the choices he makes on how to find and present them that really stand out.
Ice cream, anyone?