Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo has defended his new Netflix hidden-camera series, Pranked Encounters, after it copped bulk heat for its premise.
[jwplayer x4Q6C1lV]
Per its official presser, the new prank show “takes 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.”
The series received a lot of criticism on Twitter with users describing it as “unnecessarily cruel.” Many even begged Matarazzo to drop out of the hosting gig.
https://twitter.com/BBW_BFF/status/1139671294889213952
While on the press tour for Stranger Things 3, Matarazzo shared a video to “address some of the negativity” and help “clear up some confusion” surrounding the show.
“I just want to let everybody know that those that participated were fully aware that this was going to be a one-day gig going in,” he said. “Nobody was promised a part-time or full-time job and everybody was compensated.”
Matarazzo continued:
“Those who did participate had an amazing time, although the pranks are scary and over the top and nothing has really been done like them before, everybody enjoyed them very, very much and when all was said and done, everybody was laughing and having a great time and everybody left the set happy and satisfied.”
He added that he really appreciated the concern for participant’s wellbeing.
Also, Matarazzo doesn’t quite know why only half his face made the cut.
Pranked Encounters has received an eight-episode order from Netflix. There is yet to be an official release date.
The third season of Stranger Things will premiere on the streaming giant, July 4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcnHOQ-cHa0
Look, it has been a little while since season two premiered so if you need a refresher then the cast have put together a nice little video for you.
