Why the Tall Man is One of Horror’s Most Underrated Villains
When discussing horror icons, the same names tend to dominate the conversation: Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and Pinhead. Yet, lurking in the shadows of cult cinema stands one of the most chilling and enigmatic figures in horror history—the Tall Man.
Played with terrifying gravitas by Angus Scrimm, the Tall Man is the central antagonist of Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm franchise. Despite appearing in five films spanning nearly four decades (1979-2016), this sinister undertaker remains one of horror’s most overlooked yet genuinely terrifying figures. His eerie presence, haunting catchphrases, and supernatural menace make him a true legend of the genre—one who deserves far more recognition.
Origins of the Tall Man: A Nightmare Brought to Life
The Tall Man was born from the twisted imagination of director Don Coscarelli, who envisioned a villain that blurred the lines between nightmare and reality. The 1979 film Phantasm introduced audiences to a surreal world where death itself seemed malleable, and nothing could be trusted.
Coscarelli needed someone who could embody both human and otherworldly menace, and Angus Scrimm—a then-relatively unknown actor—was his perfect choice. Standing at 6’4” (even taller with platform shoes) and exuding an unnerving presence, Scrimm transformed what could have been a typical villain into something much more mythic and horrifying.
Reflecting on Scrimm’s performance, Coscarelli once said:
"I really didn't have any idea that he would take it to the level that he did… I could see it was going to be a very powerful character."
Indeed, Scrimm’s portrayal of the Tall Man elevated the film beyond a standard horror flick, turning it into a fever dream of death, alternate dimensions, and fear of the unknown.
What Makes the Tall Man So Terrifying?
Unlike many horror villains who rely on brute force, the Tall Man is a cerebral, manipulative force of evil, operating with a deep sense of control and mystery. Several elements make him one of the most unique and terrifying figures in horror history:
1. His Otherworldly Presence
From his piercing stare to his deliberate, slow movements, the Tall Man exudes a supernatural authority. His simple yet commanding phrase—“Boy!”—delivered with chilling intensity, lingers in the minds of fans.
Reggie Bannister, one of Phantasm’s main protagonists, once described Scrimm’s performance as “unlike anything I’d ever seen—like he was playing an ancient evil in human form.”
2. The Mystery of His Origins
Unlike Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees, whose backstories are well-documented, the Tall Man remains an enigma. Over the Phantasm series, it’s revealed that he is actually Jebediah Morningside, a 19th-century mortician who became something far more sinister after experimenting with interdimensional travel.
Yet, despite these revelations, his true nature remains elusive—a quality that makes him even more terrifying.
3. The Iconic Silver Spheres
The Tall Man doesn’t need a machete or razor gloves. Instead, he commands an army of floating, bladed spheres that drill into victims’ skulls in grotesque fashion. These iconic weapons remain one of the most uniquely terrifying tools of any horror villain.
4. His Army of the Dead
Through his otherworldly powers, the Tall Man shrinks corpses into monstrous, dwarf-like slaves who serve him in his dimension. This adds an element of existential horror—in death, you don’t rest; you become his servant.
Angus Scrimm: The Man Behind the Legend
A villain is only as good as the actor portraying him, and Angus Scrimm’s performance remains one of horror’s most underrated gems. Born Lawrence Rory Guy in 1926, Scrimm had a diverse career before becoming the Tall Man.
Before horror stardom, Scrimm was a journalist writing for publications like TV Guide and even earned a Grammy Award for writing liner notes on classical music albums. However, it was his role in Phantasm that cemented his legacy.
Scrimm fully committed to the role, altering his posture, deepening his voice, and adding subtle nuances that made the Tall Man utterly bone-chilling. His performance was so effective that Fangoria nominated him for Best Supporting Actor at the 1995 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards for Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead.
Despite his on-screen menace, Scrimm was known to be a kind, gentle man in real life. At a horror convention, when a fan noted how different he was from the Tall Man, Scrimm simply replied:
“That’s acting.”
Ranking the Tall Man Among Horror Villains
While he may not get the same mainstream attention as Freddy or Jason, many horror critics and fans have ranked the Tall Man among the greatest villains of all time:
Fangoria included him in their “Top 25 Greatest Horror Villains”
Bloody Disgusting called him “one of the most uniquely terrifying presences in horror history”
Collider ranked him in the Top 10 Most Underrated Horror Icons
Unlike Jason, Freddy, or Michael—who often follow predictable patterns—the Tall Man remains a mystery, never fully explained and never truly defeated.
The Phantasm series remains a beloved cult classic, and the Tall Man is a large part of that. His haunting presence, surreal powers, and unnerving performance by Angus Scrimm ensure that he will remain one of horror’s most underrated yet unforgettable villains.
Even after Scrimm’s passing in 2016, his legacy lives on. His chilling performance continues to influence modern horror, proving that true terror doesn’t always need jump scares or gore—it just needs a man in a black suit, a sinister glare, and a single, haunting word…
"BOY!"
