Horror, for me, has to involve some sort of fantasy. Horror is something that is in your dreams or your nightmares.

In this quote, Cassandra Peterson explains her belief that horror should be rooted in elements of fantasy. For Peterson, horror is not just about fear or the unknown; it must involve something that taps into the imagination, drawing from the fantastical elements found in dreams or nightmares. This suggests that the best horror stories are those that blend the eerie or supernatural with the unreal, creating an experience that feels both unsettling and otherworldly.

Peterson's statement also reflects the psychological nature of horror, where the fear we experience often arises from things that are beyond our control or understanding—much like the fantasy worlds in dreams. The mention of nightmares highlights the idea that horror is deeply personal and often reflects our deepest fears and anxieties, which are often most vivid in sleep. Horror, therefore, becomes a way to confront these unsettling thoughts and emotions in a safe, controlled manner.

The origin of the quote can be traced to Peterson’s career as an actress and iconic figure in the world of horror and dark comedy, especially through her portrayal of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. As Elvira, Peterson became synonymous with the blend of humor and horror, often incorporating fantasy and surreal elements into her portrayal of the genre. Her quote underscores her unique approach to horror, one that plays with fantasy and the imagination rather than relying solely on gore or terror.

Ultimately, Peterson's statement reveals her perspective on what makes horror impactful: the ability to evoke fear through the fantastical and the unreal, much like the unsettling nature of dreams and nightmares. By blending the real and the imagined, horror becomes not just a genre of fear but one of creative exploration, where the line between reality and fantasy is constantly blurred.