Wendy Schaal Shares Her Experience Returning to ‘The Burbs’ and Why Seth MacFarlane’s ‘American Dad!’ Keeps Her in the Game After 20 Years
As Peacock revives the 1989 cult classic The ‘Burbs, fans will recognize a familiar face from the original film. Wendy Schaal, who played a key role in the movie, returns to the screen in this reboot, offering a bridge between past and present.
Schaal, known for her long-running voice role as Francine on American Dad!, shared her connection to the original film during a recent interview. “The reason that I have been doing American Dad! for the last 20 years is because of that movie,” she explained, referencing how Seth MacFarlane, creator of American Dad!, was inspired to create the character of Francine based on her performance in The ‘Burbs.
Despite this longstanding connection, Schaal noted that she and MacFarlane had not discussed the reboot prior to her involvement. "I actually read for another role that they ended up casting somebody else for, and then they offered me this role of Judy,” she recalled. Although she had attempted retirement from acting, the opportunity to work on a live set was enticing. “It was just the most perfect experience for me,” she added.
In the reboot, Schaal plays Judy, a librarian alongside new parents Samira (Keke Palmer) and Rob (Jack Whitehall), who move to the fictional "safest town in America." As Samira investigates the mysterious happenings at a neighboring house, Judy becomes embroiled in the intrigue.
Reflecting on her time filming the original The ‘Burbs, Schaal fondly remembered working with the late Carrie Fisher, who kept the set lively with her humor. “She never let an opportunity go by where she wasn’t making a wig joke,” Schaal noted of Fisher’s comedy.
Having been a part of the original film, Schaal described her experience on the reboot as warm and welcoming. “I think it was [creator] Celeste Hughey who introduced me to the crew… and everybody applauded. It was just sweet,” she said.
Schaal also shared insights about her character, Judy, who grapples with the town’s rumors. “Judy is one of these characters that wasn’t expecting to be questioned about this and doesn’t know how to handle it,” she characterized her character as somewhat uptight and not fully present.
Discussing her extensive voice work on American Dad!, Schaal expressed that it does not feel like two decades have passed. “It has been a consistent pleasure… It’s just changed my life,” she relayed about the show’s impact on her career.
Reflecting on her audition for American Dad!, she recounted, “I didn’t know who Seth really was… and I did the first audition, the first reading of it, and he said, ‘OK, that was great, but you can bring it down like 75%.’” This guidance helped shape her performance and solidified her role in the series.
Finally, when asked if she had any interest in revisiting previous roles, Schaal noted her emphasis on relationships over specific projects. “If Joe Dante ever wanted me to do anything on camera, I think I would be tempted,” she mentioned, reaffirming her commitment to collaborating with those she respects in the industry.
Schaal’s journey, from the original The ‘Burbs to her role in the reboot, illustrates the lasting impact of both the film and her career in animation, bridging past and present in a delightful continuation of a beloved story.
