‘Twin Peaks’ Actor Ray Wise Talks Role in New ‘God’s Not Dead’ Film

I remember watching Jeepers Creepers 2 at a very young age. One performance captivated me from the opening scene: Ray Wise as Jack Taggart, a man who watches his young son get violently abducted by a winged creature known as "the Creeper." The opening sequence ends with a close-up on Wise's pained, watery eyes, and his hurt and grief is carried throughout the movie, a flawed yet engrossing sequel.

Ray Wise has been such a ubiquitous presence in TV and movies for years that you likely have a performance of his that resonates with you. Maybe most famous for playing Leland Palmer in Twin Peaks, yet also known for his roles in RoboCop, Good Night and Good Luck, and 24, Wise is gearing up for the release of God's Not Dead: In God We Trust, in which he reprises his role as the villain from a previous installment.

I was privileged to talk to Ray Wise on the phone today. The fifth movie in the God's Not Dead franchise, God's Not Dead: In God We Trust sees Wise returning as Peter Kane, this time playing a more significant role than he did in God's Not Dead 2. Here's how Fathom Events breaks down the plot of the film:

In a time of profound political, civil, and spiritual turmoil, Reverend David Hill grapples with the crucial question: Does God still have a place in politics? Compelled to enter a congressional race after the sudden death of a favored incumbent, David faces off against state senator Peter Kane, a formidable opponent determined to push religion out of the public square and cause greater divide. With relentless scrutiny and immense challenges, David’s campaign becomes a beacon of hope and optimism for many people yearning for spiritual and moral leadership. - per Fathom Events

God's Not Dead: In God We Trust arrives in theaters via Fathom Events on September 12th.

Beyond his latest role, I was chomping at the bit to talk to Wise about his career in horror. He shared thoughtful insights into his work on Twin Peaks, speaking about how the role of Leland Palmer both intrigued and terrified him. I couldn't resist not asking him to share some insights into his Jeepers Creepers 2 experience, as well as other films, under Victor Salva, and also what he perceived as some of his most underrated roles.

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Wise has the kind of gravelly voice and weathered spirit that suggests a bevy of experience. That suggestion proves true. His work in both movies and TV dates back to 1969, with a filmography a mile-high and a mile-wide.

Take a listen to my interview with actor Ray Wise, and read more about God's Not Dead: In God We Trust on Fathom Events' website.