Moviefone Editorial

Tag: paul-feig

  • Sydney Sweeney to Return for ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’

    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Preview:

    • The sequel to ‘The Housemaid’ is scheduled to shoot this year.
    • Star Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig are both in talks to return.
    • It’ll once again adapt a Freida McFadden book.

    Aiming to strike while the iron is hot and people are still talking about the first movie, Lionsgate has quickly given the thumbs up for a sequel to psychological thriller ‘The Housemaid,’ which has been doing solid business at the box office since December 19 (to be exact: $75 million domestically in its first 17 days of release and $133 million worldwide, with more countries still to come).

    Star Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig are both aiming to return for ‘The Housemaid’s Secret,’ adapted from the second of Freida McFadden‘s books which the studio has had quietly in development for the past few months.

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    According to the company’s announcement, Sweeney’s co-star Michele Morrone is also expected to return.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘The Housemaid’

    What was the story of ‘The Housemaid’?

    (L to R) Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in 'The Housemaid'. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Trying to escape her past, Millie Calloway Sweeney) accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar).

    But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous—a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power.

    ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ will see Millie working for another family that –– surprise, surprise! –– harbors some dark secrets. We suppose there wouldn’t really be a movie if they didn’t.

    Returning screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine has been at work on the new script, which Feig should be filming this year. And with a third book already on shelves (“The Housemaid is Watching”), we can expect more if the sequel does well.

    ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’: the studio and director talk

    (L to R) Brandon Sklenar, Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Brandon Sklenar, Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney and director Paul Feig at the Lionsgate presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Lionsgate.

    Here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson on the decision to kickstart the sequel:

    “It’s clear from both the global box office and from the outpouring on social media that audiences have responded strongly – and audibly – to the totally unique and truly theatrical experience of ‘The Housemaid’ and want to know what happens next. We believed in these stories from the very beginning, and we are beyond excited to bring the next chapter of Millie’s story to life on-screen in collaboration with our outstanding creative partners Todd, Paul, Laura, Carly, Alex, and Sydney. ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ is another wildly thrilling book in Freida’s series that has captivated readers worldwide, and we look forward to translating it into a similarly rousing and riotous moviegoing experience.”

    And here’s Feig on the sequel:

    “It’s been thrilling to see audiences around the world fall in love with The Housemaid and the incredible work of our talented cast and crew. We’re lucky that Freida McFadden has already extended Millie’s journey on the page, and that we get to work with Rebecca Sonnenshine and Lionsgate to bring this next story to audiences.”

    When will ‘The Housemaid’s Secret’ be in theaters?

    Lionsgate has yet to confirm when the new movie might be on screens, but we’d guess it could be ready for 2027 at the latest.

    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in 'The Housemaid'. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Sydney Sweeney Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Housemaid’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Sydney Sweeney Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘The Housemaid’

    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in 'The Housemaid'. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Opening in theaters on December 19 is ‘The Housemaid,’ directed by Paul Feig and starring Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone, Indiana Elle, Megan Ferguson, Ellen Tamaki, and Elizabeth Perkins.

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    Related Article: Sydney Sweeney to Star in ‘That Man from Rio’ for Director Justin Lin

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in 'The Housemaid'. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Too often these days, a trailer for a new movie sells you a different experience than the one you eventually end up seeing – making something darker look funnier than it is, for example. There’s no such problem with ‘The Housemaid’: based on the best-selling novel by Freida McFadden, director Paul Feig’s adaptation is exactly what it promises: a campy, twisty psychological thriller, laced with laughs and a narrative that almost makes fun of itself – until it doesn’t.

    Feig – who seems to find his best groove lately with potboilers like this and ‘A Simple Favor’ – navigates the story’s twists and turns mostly successfully, aided by his trio of lead performers. While the film’s third act spins off the rails a bit in terms of tone and control, it still manages to be entertaining, with a crowd-pleaser of an ending that will send audiences out satiated.

    Story and Direction

    (L to R): Sydney Sweeney as Millie and Amanda Seyfried as Nina in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    (L to R): Sydney Sweeney as Millie and Amanda Seyfried as Nina in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney) applies for a job as a live-in housemaid with Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried), a seemingly pleasant if high-strung homemaker who lives in her extravagant Long Island mansion with her rather cheeky daughter Cici (Indiana Elle) and handsome, charming, and effortlessly attentive husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar).

    Millie, despite lying about her background and hiding the fact that she’s sleeping in her car and on parole after serving 10 years in prison, gets the job – only to find out once she starts that Nina is hiding a few secrets of her own, including the fact that she spent nine months in a psych ward for reasons revealed much later. Right off the part, Nina’s mood swings and capriciously cruel treatment of Millie indicate that something is wrong, along with the suspicious behavior of the groundskeeper, Enzo (Michele Morrone, from Netflix’s ‘365 Days’ sexathons). Luckily, Andrew is there to comfort Millie – even if his lingering glances indicate that he wants more than that.

    (L to R) Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in 'The Housemaid'. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo Credit: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    For much of its first two-thirds, ‘The Housemaid’ follows a seemingly conventional narrative almost to a fault, but the go-for-broke performances from its leads, precision needle drops, and Feig’s skillful balancing act of camp and psychological cat-and-mouse keep it thoroughly engaging. The world of wealth and privilege that the Winchesters inhabit is also roasted quite handily, thanks to Andrew’s almost ridiculously snooty mother (Elizabeth Perkins) and the local housewives, who at one point gossip about Nina after she leaves the room – even though Millie, who is all but invisible to them, is still there and can hear everything.

    ‘The Housemaid’ becomes predictable enough at a certain point that it almost screams that a twist is coming – one that is more or less telegraphed – and when that rug-pull is revealed, the movie tumbles into some surprisingly darker territory. It’s in the final third that Feig and screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine lose some of their grip on the material, diverging a bit from the book and stretching things out a bit too long with one betrayal or turnaround after another. Yet ‘The Housemaid’ still wraps up nicely, its conclusion both satisfying and leaving the door open for a continuation (McFadden did write two follow-up novels).

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R): Amanda Seyfried as Nina and Sydney Sweeney as Millie in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    (L to R): Amanda Seyfried as Nina and Sydney Sweeney as Millie in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    ‘The Housemaid’ opens one week before ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ also starring Amanda Seyfried, and you’re not likely to see two more different performances in theaters this year. That’s a compliment to the immense range of Seyfried, who plays Nina as an unpredictable weather pattern whose next ferocious storm will be followed just as quickly by a brief ray of sunshine. She keeps the audience off-balance throughout with a broad-strokes, jangling energy and does pampered housewife just as well as she does colonial religious leader.

    Sweeney is more low-key as a counterpoint, and a bit more limited in her range here than in her underrated ‘Christy’ from earlier this fall, but her seemingly submissive surface seethes subtly with a coiled watchfulness and smirking sense of play. As Andrew, Brandon Sklenar has the necessary physical presence to sell the character’s in-your-face masculinity, but otherwise his initial blandness comes across almost as a parody yet suits the contours of his character.

    Final Thoughts

    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    ‘The Housemaid’ may feel at times like one of those lightly erotic true-crime dramas that are the stock-in-trade of Netflix (and there is a smattering of sultry scenes here), but Paul Feig and his leading ladies give it a cinematic gloss and a sense of satire that may often elude that oversaturated genre.

    Playful and fun at some points, unnervingly dark at others, ‘The Housemaid’ might end up being what some grownups want for date night at the movies this holiday season instead of talking Disney animals or the blue cat people of Pandora (not that there’s anything wrong with those, of course). At a time when pulpy, provocative, adult-oriented movies are harder to find, ‘The Housemaid’ may be just the help you’re looking for.

    ‘The Housemaid’ receives a score of 80 out of 100.

    Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    What is the plot of ‘The Housemaid’?

    When Millie Calloway takes a job as live-in housemaid to the wealthy yet moody Nina Winchester and her attractive, charming husband Andrew, it’s only a matter of time before dark secrets, bizarre occurrences, and hidden passions erupt in the Winchesters’ seemingly perfect lives.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Housemaid’?

    • Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway
    • Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester
    • Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester
    • Michele Morrone as Enzo
    • Elizabeth Perkins as Evelyn Winchester
    • Indiana Elle as Cecilia Winchester
    • Megan Ferguson as Jilianne
    • Ellen Tamaki as Patrice
    'The Housemaid' opens in theaters on December 19th.
    ‘The Housemaid’ opens in theaters on December 19th.

    Sydney Sweeney Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Housemaid’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Sydney Sweeney Movies on Amazon

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  • First Look at Sydney Sweeney in ‘The Housemaid’

    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Preview:

    • The first images of Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in ‘The Housemaid’ are online.
    • Paul Feig directed the new thriller.
    • It adapts Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel.

    While Sydney Sweeney has seen her rising star hit a bit of turbulence of late, with a few cinematic flops and plenty of controversy over recent adverts, the actor is hoping that some upcoming projects will restore its sheen.

    Boxer biopic ‘Christy’ has been getting good responses at the Toronto International Film Festival and this December she delves into thriller territory with ‘The Housemaid’, co-starring Amanda Seyfried (‘Mamma Mia!’) and directed by ‘A Simple Favor’s Paul Feig.

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    The first look images from the new movie are online and you can find them at the top off and across this page.

    Related Article: Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried Starring in Novel Adaptation ‘The Housemaid’

    What’s the story of ‘The Housemaid’?

    Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Rebecca Sonnenshine (‘The Boys’) adapted Freida McFadden’s bestselling 2022 novel, which follows Millie (Sweeney), who is trying to escape her past.

    She accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar, ‘It Ends With Us’).

    But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous — a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power. Behind the Winchesters’ closed doors lies a world of shocking twists…

    ‘The Housemaid’: the filmmakers speak

    (L to R): Amanda Seyfried as Nina and Sydney Sweeney as Millie in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    (L to R): Amanda Seyfried as Nina and Sydney Sweeney as Millie in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Talking to People, Seyfried had this to say about the movie:

    “The film captures everything fans loved about the book — the secrets, the tension and the twists. We can’t wait for audiences to immerse themselves in the experience.”

    And this was Feig’s comment:

    “ ‘The Housemaid’ is pure entertainment –– a sexy and surprising rollercoaster ride of a movie that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. This movie is the kind of insane fun that you’ll want to watch over and over this holiday season. So bring your friends and wear your pearls because you’ll definitely be clutching them!”

    Finally, here’s Sweeney on her role and the film in general:

    “[Millie is] the type of character I love to play: complex, strong and with a little something up her sleeve I can’t wait for fans to see how hard we all worked to bring ‘The Housemaid’ to life.”

    When will ‘The Housemaid be in theaters?

    Michele Morrone as Enzo in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    Michele Morrone as Enzo in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Backed by Lionsgate, the movie will bring its plot turns to theaters on December 19th. Happy twistmas!

    (L to R): Sydney Sweeney as Millie and Amanda Seyfried as Nina in 'The Housemaid'. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
    (L to R): Sydney Sweeney as Millie and Amanda Seyfried as Nina in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.

    Sydney Sweeney Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Sydney Sweeney Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Another Simple Favor’

    Anna Kendrick stars as Stephanie Smothers in 'Another Simple Favor'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Anna Kendrick stars as Stephanie Smothers in ‘Another Simple Favor’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    ‘Another Simple Favor’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

    Arriving globally on Prime Video on May 1st, ‘Another Simple Favor’ throws us back into the knotty dynamic of mommy vlogger-turned-crime sleuth Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and mysterious, murderous fashion plate Emily Nelson (Blake Lively).

    This sequel to the 2018 murder mystery brought to screens by director Paul Feig, looks to amp up the mystery even further, throwing in new family members and some luxurious Italian island locations.

    Related Article: Paul Feig Talks ‘Jackpot!’ and Working with Awkwafina and John Cena

    Will ‘Another Simple Favor’ ask too much of you?

    Blake Lively stars as 'Emily' in 'Another Simple Favor'. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.
    Blake Lively stars as ‘Emily’ in ‘Another Simple Favor’. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.

    On television, there’s a common trick of sitcoms and other shows usually anchored to one place to goose things up by taking the characters on holiday. ‘The Brady Bunch’ went to Hawaii. ‘Friends’ brought us “The One in Barbados” and the usually hospital-bound ‘Scrubs’ splashed out for a destination wedding in the Bahamas.

    ‘Another Simple Favor’ tries a similar trick, albeit in movie form (though it is premiering on Prime Video), moving its murder mystery machinations to the picturesque isle of Capri in Italy. But is it enough to elevate everything? That’s a more complicated question, one whose answer is both yes and no.

    Script and Direction

    Paul Feig attends the Amazon MGM Studios 'Another Simple Favor' New York Special Screening on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City. Photo: Prime Video.
    Paul Feig attends the Amazon MGM Studios ‘Another Simple Favor’ New York Special Screening on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City. Photo: Prime Video.

    The sequel boasts the writing talents of Jessica Sharzer (who adapted ‘A Simple Favor’ from the novel by Darcey Bell and has written the likes of ‘Nerve,’ and episodes of ‘American Horror Story’) with Laeta Kalogridis –– more known for the dramatic ‘Shutter Island’ and ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ –– taking a pass.

    Together, they have concocted something that feels as though it has a similar energy to the original movie, while looking to heighten things to an even more absurd degree. Which is saying something, given that the 2018 effort had more turns than a corkscrew.

    ‘A Simple Favor’ effectively blended its mystery and comedy tones together, and while the follow-up attempts the same trick with some new complications, it mostly manages it, while sometimes tipping too far into ridiculousness.

    (L to R) Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), Dante (Michele Morrone), Emily (Blake LIvely), and Vicky (Alex Newell) in 'Another Simple Favor'. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.
    (L to R) Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), Dante (Michele Morrone), Emily (Blake LIvely), and Vicky (Alex Newell) in ‘Another Simple Favor’. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Still, there are the requisite laughs to be found here, and enough twists to keep you guessing. Once the new main mystery is revealed, it does rather start to deflate, and there is some egregious sequel baiting towards the end.

    Feig, returning as director, proves he can adeptly hop between genres, and being let loose in the beautiful island of Capri certainly allows him to up the visual interest of the movie. He also capably manages the new cast recruits while keeping the focus squarely where it should be: the winning, sometimes overly catty dynamic between Kendrick’s Stephanie and Lively’s Emily.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) and Emily (Blake LIvely) in 'Another Simple Favor'. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.
    (L to R) Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) and Emily (Blake LIvely) in ‘Another Simple Favor’. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Lively might be the superstar here, but it’s Anna Kendrick who really keeps the movie grounded and funny. As Stephanie, who is awkwardly trying to enjoy her newfound fame following the events of the original film (and capitalize on them by writing a book about the case), Kendrick remains the comic powerhouse of the film, whether she’s effectively narrating the movie through her video channel or trading barbs with Lively’s Emily (or, er, Hope, as she should really be called.)

    As for Lively, she’s back in full-on comic-inflected femme fatale mode, as she struts around in outrageous clothing and gets passive-aggressive with Kendrick’s character. She once more makes an impact, whether she’s plotting her next move or proving more of a friend to Stephanie than she might have suspected.

    There’s also a healthy vein of vulnerability in both the leads, which makes the characters as relatable in the past, even as the screwball murder mystery is dialed up into ever more frenzied levels of complexity.

    Around them, a collection of returning and new performers add extra layers to the story.

    Henry Golding stars as 'Sean' in 'Another Simple Favor'. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.
    Henry Golding stars as ‘Sean’ in ‘Another Simple Favor’. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Henry Golding is able to let loose more as Sean, Emily’s ex-husband (who had a dalliance with Stephanie in the original), and here is a drunken, sarcastic mess, throwing endless shade at his ex.

    Of the newcomers, the highlights are Alex Newell, who steals moments and scenes as Stephanie’s enthusiastic assistant/book tour manager Vicky and Elena Sofia Ricci as Portia Versano, the powerful, calculating mother of Emily’s new fiancé Dante (Michele Morrone), neither of whom show up on google searches, but are clearly very rich and powerful –– it won’t take you long to guess why.

    Less present, but still entertaining are Detective Summervile (Bashir Salahuddin, returning from the original) and FBI agent Irene Walker (Taylor Ortega), who help drive the plot while not forgetting to bring the laughs.

    The really nutritious additions to the cast are Allison Janney and Elizabeth Perkins, who consume whole sections of scenery playing Emily’s grasping aunt and drunken mother.

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Emily (Blake LIvely), Dante (Michele Morrone), Vicky (Alex Newell) and Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) in 'Another Simple Favor'. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.
    (L to R) Emily (Blake LIvely), Dante (Michele Morrone), Vicky (Alex Newell) and Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) in ‘Another Simple Favor’. Credit: Lorenzo Sisti. Copyright: © 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC.

    ‘A Simple Favor’ sometimes coasted on the power of its stars and some fun plot turns, and ‘Another Simple Favor’ falls into a similar trap.

    Still, the idyllic countryside helps it feel different enough, and though it can’t quite keep the momentum up towards the end, watching it is not too much of an ask.

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    What’s the plot of ‘Another Simple Favor’?

    Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) reunite on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman.

    Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.

    Who stars in ‘Another Simple Favor’?

    • Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers
    • Blake Lively as Emily Nelson
    • Henry Golding as Sean Townsend
    • Andrew Rannells as Darren
    • Bashir Salahuddin as Detective Summerville
    • Elizabeth Perkins as Margaret McLinden
    • Michele Morrone as Dante Versano
    • Elena Sofia Ricci as Portia Versano
    • Alex Newell as Vicky
    • Allison Janney as Aunt Linda McLinden
    • Joshua Satine as Miles Smothers
    • Ian Ho as Nicholas “Nicky” Townsend-Nelson
    • Kelly McCormack as Stacy
    • Taylor Ortega as Agent Irene Walker
    • Lorenzo de Moor as Matteo Bartolo
    • Aparna Nancherla as Sona
    'Another Simple Favor' premieres on Prime Video May 1st. Photo: Amazon.
    ‘Another Simple Favor’ premieres on Prime Video May 1st. Photo: Amazon.

    List of Paul Feig Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Paul Feig Movies on Amazon

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  • Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried to Star in ‘The Housemaid’

    (Left) Sydney Sweeney in 'Euphoria.' Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO. (Right) Amanda Seyfried in 'The Crowded Room,' premiering June 9, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (Left) Sydney Sweeney in ‘Euphoria.’ Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO. (Right) Amanda Seyfried in ‘The Crowded Room,’ premiering June 9, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Preview:

    • Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are boarding a new thriller called ‘The Housemaid.’
    • Paul Feig is set to direct the movie for Lionsgate.
    • Rebecca Sonnenshine is adapting the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden.

    These days, if a studio can entice Sydney Sweeney to star in their movie, they will put Sydney Sweeney in their movie. Lionsgate is no doubt happy, then, that the ‘Immaculate’ and ‘Anyone But You’ actor has sealed a deal to star in a new thriller called ‘The Housemaid’ alongside Amanda Seyfried.

    The film –– which will adapt Freida McFadden’s popular novel, rather than have anything to do with the Korean movie of the same name –– will see Paul Feig in the director’s chair.

    Related Article: Sydney Sweeney Talks ‘Immaculate’ and Why She Loves Horror Movies

    What’s the story of ‘The Housemaid’?

    Sydney Sweeney talks 'Immaculate.'
    Sydney Sweeney talks ‘Immaculate.’

    With Rebecca Sonnenshine (who has written movies such as ‘The Keeping Hours’ and ‘Within’) adapting McFadden’s book, ‘The Housemaid’ sees Sweeney playing Millie, a struggling young woman who is relieved to get a fresh start as a housemaid to Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew, an upscale, wealthy couple.

    But Millie soon learns that the family’s secrets are far more dangerous than her own.

    McFadden’s novel has sat on the New York Times Bestseller List for over a year, and on the Amazon Bestsellers’ list for 98 weeks and counting. It also has a record-breaking half a billion pages read on Kindle –– behind only the ‘Harry Potter’ series. It has sold more than 3.6 million copies and has been translated into 40 languages.

    ‘The Housemaid’: The Studio Comments

    'Jackpot!' director Paul Feig.
    ‘Jackpot!’ director Paul Feig.

    Here’s what Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson told Deadline about the news:

    “I’m thrilled to have The Housemaid join our upcoming slate. A great filmmaker and a great cast with a great script from a great book is a terrific place to start. My prior work experiences with Paul and Amanda have been nothing short of spectacular, and Sydney is as talented and compelling as can be.”

    And here’s the statement from Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman:

    “The Housemaid is a certified phenomenon with over a year on the New York Times Bestsellers’ list, millions of copies sold, and a place on numerous critics’ choice lists. Part of the fun of the book was imagining the cast while we read it, and Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are perfect for Millie and Nina –– they’re both mysterious, nuanced, and incredibly skilled at becoming characters who don’t reveal everything right away. We’re thrilled to team them with Paul Feig, who we worked with on ‘A Simple Favor’ and its upcoming sequel and has a proven track record of developing stories with dynamic female leads.”

    As mentioned, Feig directed ‘A Simple Favor’ and most recently worked on ‘Jackpot!’ for Amazon. He has ‘A Simple Favor 2’ (or whatever it ends up being titled) heading our way next year.

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    When will ‘The Housemaid’ be in theaters?

    Given the schedules of those involved, we doubt this one will shoot much before mid-2025, so it may end up arriving in 2026 –– but no date has been set yet.

    Paul Feig attends the World Premiere Of Netflix's 'The School For Good And Evil' at Regency Village Theatre on October 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.
    Paul Feig attends the World Premiere Of Netflix’s ‘The School For Good And Evil’ at Regency Village Theatre on October 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Other Paul Feig Movies:

    Buy Paul Feig Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Jackpot!’

    John Cena and Awkwafina in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) John Cena and Awkwafina in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    On Prime Video on August 15th, ‘Jackpot!’ finds Paul Feig back in the sort of action-comedy territory that served him well for the likes of ‘Spy’ and ‘The Heat.’

    Yet his latest, like a couple of his other recent efforts, has been sent direct to streaming, signaling just how tough it is for filmmakers’ work to find theaters outside of giant franchise or indie films that score a release. Still, it’s entertaining enough.

    Does ‘Jackpot!’ succeed in the movie lottery?

    John Cena and Awkwafina in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) John Cena and Awkwafina in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Though it doesn’t always exploit the satirical nature of its story, choosing instead to focus on frenzied action and gags, the movie certainly offers enough to keep you watching. There is sometimes the feeling that the improvisational style that Feig favors means a lot is thrown at the wall and not all of it works, but there is a solid level of jokes here.

    Related Article: Paul Feig Talks ‘Jackpot!’ and Working with Awkwafina and John Cena

    ‘Jackpot!’: Script and Direction

    Director Paul Feig, John Cena, and Simu Liu in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) Director Paul Feig, John Cena, and Simu Liu in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Writer Rob Yescombe’s backstory is in video game writing, and there are moments when ‘Jackpot!’ certainly has that feel –– it has very much a progression feel as Awkwafina and John Cena’s characters battle their way through different levels of enemies looking to take her down and win the money instead.

    But it’s enough of a framework on which Feig and co. can hang plenty of jokes (and the original concept is sound and funny), and while a lot of the stunt work was likely devised once the script was already delivered, there’s lots of fun just in the basic ideas.

    Feig has worked with action before –– in ‘Spy’ particularly, which remains one of his best movies –– and he knows how to respect both his stunt performers’ suggestions and abilities and his actors’ willingness to deliver the comedy.

    Still, there are certainly moments where it feels like he’s just let Awkwafina in particular shout as chaos reigns around her, and one or two scenes could have benefitted from judicious editing.

    ‘Jackpot!’: Performances

    John Cena and Katie Awkwafina in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) John Cena and Katie Awkwafina in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Cena and Awkwafina are certainly the focus here, with some welcome, wacky support from Simu Liu as the corporate protection agent who has more of an agenda that he lets on.

    Yet around them Feig –– whose resume includes work on shows such as ‘The Office’ –– builds a quality comedy ensemble with people he knows can deliver even in the smallest roles.

    Awkwafina as Katie Kim

    Awkwafina stars as 'Katie' in 'Jackpot!'.
    Awkwafina stars as ‘Katie’ in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Awkwafina came up from YouTube and developed a career stealing scenes as a supporting performer in movies such as ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Her particularly energy might not always be a natural fit for leading roles, but here you buy her as a frustrated actor and out-of-towner who can’t quite comprehend what is happening to her.

    And she plays wonderfully off of Cena, their buddy comedy energy tempered with moments of vulnerability and their full commitment to the mania of the movie itself.

    John Cena as Noel Cassidy

    John Cena and Katie Awkwafina in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) John Cena and Katie Awkwafina in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    It looked for a long while like Cena would simply be following in the footsteps of wrestler-turned-actor types such as Dwayne Johnson, but in the last few years, Cena has really started to come into his own as a vanity free, committed combo of muscular action star and class clown.

    Roles in projects such as ‘Peacemaker’ and, more recently ‘The Bear’ have shown his range, and while ‘Jackpot!’ doesn’t quite demand the same level of performance, it’s also a solid part for the actor.

    His Noel is a welcome mixture of tough guy and bleeding heart, committed to saving lives for reasons that become clear later in the movie. And, as mentioned above, he works really well with Awkwafina, matching her comedy energy levels.

    Simu Liu as Louis Lewis

    (L to R) Agent Hoyt (Monique Ganderton) and Louis (Simu Liu) in 'Jackpot!' Photo: Amazon.
    (L to R) Agent Hoyt (Monique Ganderton) and Louis (Simu Liu) in ‘Jackpot!’ Photo: Amazon.

    Some might see Liu and Awkwafina share the screen and start wondering where the ‘Shang-Chi’ sequel is, since they really do work well playing off each other. As Louis, Liu shows he hasn’t lost his comedy skills (since he got his start on Canadian sitcom ‘Kim’s Convenience’), playing the preening, corporate sleaze who makes money protecting lottery winners.

    Ayden Mayeri as Shadi

    (L to R) Shadi (Ayden Mayeri) and DJ (Donald Elise Watkins) in 'Jackpot!' Photo: Amazon.
    (L to R) Shadi (Ayden Mayeri) and DJ (Donald Elise Watkins) in ‘Jackpot!’ Photo: Amazon.

    Ayden Mayeri enjoys what could be a welcome breakout role as the vacuous, vengeful Shadi, a wannabe performer who runs possibly the worst Airbnb in Los Angeles. Together with bumbling boyfriend DJ (Donald Elise Watkins, who is also funny), she’s more than just a one-note comedy character, turning into a real villain as the story continues.

    Supporting cast

    Murray Hill and Dolly De Leon in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) Murray Hill and Dolly De Leon in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Feig’s eye for talent (both established and new) stands him in good stead for this movie. You have the likes of Seann William Scott and Dolly De Leon in the amusing opening scene featuring a previous lottery winner and the seemingly harmless grandma who takes him down. It could be seen as a parody of action movies or something that appears on ‘Saturday Night Live’, but it launches you into the film’s world successfully.

    ‘Jackpot!’: Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Noel (John Cena) and Katie (Awkwafina) in 'Jackpot!' Photo: Amazon.
    (L to R) Noel (John Cena) and Katie (Awkwafina) in ‘Jackpot!’ Photo: Amazon.

    Would ‘Jackpot!’ truly have worked if it were released into theaters? Comedy has certainly struggled in the last few years, with much of it moving into the streaming world. And it was always a riskier prospect for studios despite the huge success of titles such as ‘The Hangover’ and even Feig’s own ‘Bridesmaids’.

    Still, as it stands, it’s certainly worth checking out of an evening and will certainly make you chuckle.

    ‘Jackpot!’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What is the plot of ‘Jackpot!”?

    In the future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion-dollar jackpot. When Katie Kim (Awkwafina) moves to Los Angeles, she mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket. Desperate to survive the hordes of jackpot hunters, she reluctantly joins forces with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (John Cena) who will do everything in his power to get her to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize. However, Noel must face off with his slick rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also seeks to collect Katie’s commission at all costs.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Jackpot!’?

    • Awkwafina as Katie
    • John Cena as Noel
    • Simu Liu as Louis Lewis
    • Seann William Scott as Rugged Man
    • Dolly de Leon as Grandma Tala
    'Jackpot!' premieres on Prime Video August 15th.
    ‘Jackpot!’ premieres on Prime Video August 15th.

    Other Paul Feig Movies:

    Buy Paul Feig Movies on Amazon

    Please click on the video player below to watch our exclusive interview with director Paul Feig about ‘Jackpot!’

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  • ‘Jackpot!’ Exclusive Interview: Director Paul Feig

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    Premiering globally on Prime Video beginning August 15th is the new action-comedy ‘Jackpot!’, which was directed by Paul Feig (‘Bridesmaids’, ‘A Simple Favor’) and stars Awkwafina (‘The Little Mermaid’), John Cena (‘The Suicide Squad’), and Simu Liu (‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’).

    Related Article: Director Paul Feig Talks Netflix’s ‘The School for Good and Evil’

    'Jackpot!' director Paul Feig.
    ‘Jackpot!’ director Paul Feig.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with acclaimed director Paul Feig about his work on ‘Jackpot!’, his first reaction to the screenplay, making a comedic version of ‘The Purge’, his casting process, working with Awkwafina and John Cena, and executing the action sequences.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview.

    Director Paul Feig, John Cena, and Simu Liu in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) Director Paul Feig, John Cena, and Simu Liu in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay and the themes you wanted to explore with this movie?

    Paul Feig: I mean, the very first time I was told about the screenplay and sent it, I looked at the title page, it said, ‘Grand Theft Lotto’. I thought, this is stupid, and I put it down and didn’t read it. Then it was my producing partner, Laura Fisher, who called me up and said, “I just read that script and it’s super funny. You should read it.” The minute, I got 40 pages in, it was just like, I must do this. Because I love physical comedy. Jackie Chan is a huge hero of mine. I’ve always wanted to make a Jackie Chan level physical action comedy. I like the message of it because even though on its surface it appears to be a very dystopian, sort of negative commentary on mankind, I find that it’s not. I find that by the time you get to the end of the movie, you find out there’s more people who would not participate in something as insane as this as there are. So, it’s really Nora’s world through this, she’s only surrounded by the people who’ve chosen to join this lotto and kill her. But then by the end you learn, oh no, this is not most of the world. So, I think it’s a very uplifting movie in the end.

    Murray Hill and Dolly De Leon in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) Murray Hill and Dolly De Leon in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    MF: ‘Jackpot!’ is kind of like a comedic version of ‘The Purge’. Do you agree with that and is that what you were going for?

    PF: You know what, yes. I completely buy into that. I keep saying it’s ‘The Purge’ meets ‘It’s a Mad, Mad World’. But the thing about ‘The Purge’ is, getting back to the point about the lottery, nobody in ‘The Purge’ has a choice about being in the purge. Everyone must be in the purge. The lotto, the Grand Lottery, you choose to be in it. So that’s why I think we’re not… I love ‘The Purge’ movies, they are some of my favorite movies, but they’re dark.

    John Cena and Awkwafina in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) John Cena and Awkwafina in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    MF: One thing that do exceedingly well as a filmmaker is casting. Can you talk about your casting process and working with Awkwafina and John Cena on this project?

    PF: Because casting is 90% of my job. If I get that right, then everything else just falls into place behind it, if you do it right. But I was lucky enough with this movie, when the script came to me, Nora (Awkwafina) and John were already attached. So, I was given this gift of these two thoroughbreds. But again, you just don’t know. They never worked together before. You’re always kind of like, I hope these people have chemistry. But they just had it, just bucket loads of it. I found that the best people that I work with in this business, especially comedians, have a chemistry with each other, because they are like tennis players. They rely on the other person they’re playing against. So, there’s no ego between them because they know each one is making the other one look good, and they’re making each other look good at the same time. But it was a joy to see that they had chemistry times ten.

    John Cena and Katie Awkwafina in 'Jackpot!'.
    (L to R) John Cena and Katie Awkwafina in ‘Jackpot!’. Credit: Image Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. Copyright: @ Amazon Content Services LLC.

    MF: Finally, what was it like shooting the action sequences and working with the fight choreographers?

    PF: That’s a dream come true. I love that stuff so much. But I also have a great stunt coordinator who I work with on this for the first time, who comes from the Marvel world and does all that serious fighting. But he, like myself, is a giant Jackie Chan fan. So, we were both, when we met, it was just like, we get to do all the stuff we’ve always wanted to do. So, he’d go off and work with his stunt team, and they would kind of film on their iPhones, these sequences, and then they’d bring it to me and I’m like, “Oh, we’ll try this. Let’s try that.” We’d get in there and it would like kids in a candy store. I’m like, “What if he ties her onto his back?” He’s like, “Yeah, we can do that.” So, we just plussed and plussed and plussed it all up.

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    What is the plot of ‘Jackpot!”?

    In the future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion-dollar jackpot. When Katie Kim (Awkwafina) moves to Los Angeles, she mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket. Desperate to survive the hordes of jackpot hunters, she reluctantly joins forces with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (John Cena) who will do everything in his power to get her to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize. However, Noel must face off with his slick rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also seeks to collect Katie’s commission at all costs.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Jackpot!’?

    'Jackpot!' premieres on Prime Video August 15th.
    ‘Jackpot!’ premieres on Prime Video August 15th.

    Other Paul Feig Movies:

    Buy Paul Feig Movies on Amazon

     

  • Comedy Icon Bob Newhart Dies Aged 94

    Bob Newhart and the cast of 'The Bob Newhart Show'.
    Bob Newhart and the cast of ‘The Bob Newhart Show’. Photo: CBS.

    Preview:

    • Comedian and actor Bob Newhart has died aged 94.
    • He starred in eponymous sitcoms and other shows, earning an Emmy and many nominations.
    • Judd Apatow and more paid tribute.

    A comedy institution and formative influence for many talented people has left us. Bob Newhart, who rose from comedy albums to TV superstardom, has died at the age of 94 following a brief illness.

    Newhart is remembered for his hangdog delivery and the ability to spin lines into comedy gold.

    Related Article: ‘Clue’ and ‘Arrested Development’ Actor Martin Mull Dies Aged 80

    Bob Newhart: Early Life and Career

    Barbara Rickles, Bob Newhart, Virginia Newhart and Don Rickles in director Judd Apatow's documentary 'Bob & Don: A Love Story.'
    (L to R) Barbara Rickles, Bob Newhart, Virginia Newhart and Don Rickles in director Judd Apatow’s documentary ‘Bob & Don: A Love Story.’

    Newhart was born in Chicago in September 1929. He attended Loyola University in the city, majoring in commerce and graduating in 1952, when he entered the Army. After ending his military service two years later, he entered Loyola’s law school but flunked out in 1956. He then worked a variety of odd jobs while performing in an Oak Park stock company.

    Yet comedy called to him: “I worked as an accountant for 2½ years, then worked as a copywriter,” he said in a 2001 interview for the Television Academy Foundation. “People had always been saying, ‘Gee, you’re funny. You think funny.’ So I just decided I was gonna give it a try and see what happened.”

    Here’s what happened, if not immediately: Newhart broke out in 1960 with a pair of No. 1 comedy albums –– despite never having done stand-up before. ‘The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart’ spent 14 weeks atop the Billboard 200 and stayed on that chart for more than two years. ‘The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back!’ arrived about 10 months later and also hit No. 1.

    Bob Newhart: TV legacy

    Bob Newhart and the cast of 'Newhart'.
    (Center) Bob Newhart and the cast of ‘Newhart’. Photo: CBS.

    While his first TV attempt, NBC comedy/variety show, ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ (based on his albums) only ran for a season, he would go on to dominate TV comedy for the better part of two decades. Newhart’s first sitcom, also titled ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ debuted on CBS in September 1972. It did well right from the start, finishing in the year-end three-network primetime Top 20 in each of its first three seasons, ultimately running to 1978.

    Newhart starred as Bob Hartley, a successful psychologist in Chicago whose deadpan delivery drove the series.

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    He’d also star in 1982’s ‘Newhart’, also for CBS. This time he played, Dick Loudon, a “how-to” book author who took over a long-closed colonial inn in Vermont. It ran for eight seasons and its series finale is still considered one of TV’s greatest episodes.

    Outside of his own shows, Newhart became known as a guest on a raft of series including ‘Murphy Brown’, ‘The Simpsons’, ‘ER’, ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘NCIS’, ‘Hot in Cleveland’ and an Emmy-winning turn on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ (he also appeared on that show’s spin-off, ‘Young Sheldon’).

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    Bob Newhart: Movie Work

    Bob Newhart and Will Ferrell in 'Elf'.
    (L to R) Bob Newhart and Will Ferrell in ‘Elf’. Photo: New Line Cinema.

    The veteran performer appeared in a number of films including ‘In & Out’, ‘Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde’, ‘Horrible Bosses’, ‘First Family’ and ‘Catch-22’.

    Yet for a whole generation, he’ll be forever known as the kindly yet deadpan Papa Elf, who raises Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human who ends up at the North Pole after crawling into Santa’s sack as an infant and, in his adult years, heads to New York in search of his actual father (James Caan), in 2003’s ‘Elf‘.

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    Bob Newhart: Tributes Pour In

    Bob Newhart and Judd Hirsch in 'George & Leo'.
    (L to R) Bob Newhart and Judd Hirsch in ‘George & Leo’. Photo: Paramount Television.

    As you might expect given Newhart’s long career and renowned good nature, fellow showbusiness types are lining up to pay tribute. Here are a few select statements.

    Judd Apatow took to social media to express his feelings:

    Comedian and former politician Al Franken has this to say:

    “Bob Newhart was a giant, a genius, and a great guy. I’ll always remember when he hosted ‘SNL‘ and did a stellar show. He was, as you might expect, a joy to work with. May his memory be a blessing.”

    Director Paul Feig recalled Newhart this way:

    “I had the honor of doing a guest role on Newhart & got to spend the week listening to the great Bob Newhart making us all laugh. A brilliant standup & comedic actor, he was truly one of a kind. His legacy will live on.”

    Newhart’s wife Ginny died last year. He is survived by his children, Robert Jr., Timothy, Courtney and Jennifer, and 10 grandchildren.

    Bob Newhart and the cast of 'Newhart'.
    Bob Newhart and the cast of ‘Newhart’. Photo: CBS.

    Bob Newhart Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Bob Newhart Movies On Amazon

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  • ‘The Wrath of Becky’ Interview: Seann William Scott

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    Opening exclusively in theaters on May 26th is the new action thriller ‘The Wrath of Becky,’ which is a sequel to 2020’s ‘Becky’ and was written and directed by Matt Angel (‘Hypnotic’) and Suzanne Coote (‘The Open House’).

    What is the plot of ‘The Wrath of Becky?’

    A sequel to ‘Becky,’ ‘The Wrath of Becky’ takes place two years after Becky (Lulu Wilson) escaped a violent attack on her family, and follows her as she attempts to rebuild her life in the care of an older woman, a kindred spirit named Elena (Denise Burse). But when a group known as the “Noble Men” led by Darryl (Seann William Scott) break into their home, attack them, and take her beloved dog, Diego, Becky must return to her old ways to protect herself and her loved ones.

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    Who is in the cast of ‘The Wrath of Becky?’

    ‘The Wrath of Becky’ stars Lulu Wilson (‘The Glorias’) as Becky, Seann William Scott (‘American Pie,’ ‘The Rundown,’ ‘Role Models’) as Darryl, Denise Burse (‘Manifest’) as Elena, Jill Larson (‘Shutter Island’) as Darryl Sr., Courtney Gains (‘Faster’) as Twig, Michael Sirow (‘Fortress: Sniper’s Eye’) as Anthony, Aaron Dalla Villa (‘Alpha Rift’) as DJ, Matt Angel (‘All About Sex’) as Sean, and Kate Siegel (‘Ouija: Origin of Evil’) as Agent Kate Montana.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Seann William Scott about his work on ‘The Wrath of Becky,’ joining the cast of the sequel, playing a villain, the Nobel Men’s agenda, working with Lulu Wilson, the challenges of being cruel to an animal on screen, the film’s directors, and his upcoming work with filmmaker Paul Feig on ‘Grand Death Lotto.’

    Seann William Scott as Darryl Jr. in the action/thriller/horror 'The Wrath of Becky,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    Seann William Scott as Darryl Jr. in the action/thriller/horror ‘The Wrath of Becky,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch the interview.

    Moviefone: To begin with, were you familiar with ‘Becky’ when you signed on for the sequel?

    Seann William Scott: I hadn’t seen the first one when ‘The Wrath of Becky’ script was sent to me. What I actually did was just watch the trailer before I even started reading the script, and it was like, oh, this is very cool. So it’s like, let’s start reading this sequel script. I loved the script and I really enjoyed the part. I had some ideas of maybe how to build on the character a little bit and really just almost make him more grounded, and maybe even a little bit darker. The directors really liked my ideas and we really kind of collaborated. Then I watched the first ‘Becky’ and thought, this is fantastic. Lulu Wilson is an incredible actress, who plays Becky. Then I think it was two or three weeks later that we were on set shooting this thing. So it came together really quickly. It’s one of the good ones. You never know. There’s been a lot of stinkers on my end, but I love this movie actually.

    MF: You are probably best known for your comedic work, but in this movie you play a really menacing and evil villain, and are virtually unrecognizable in the role. What was it like for you to play this role and create a character that is different than anything we’ve seen you play before?

    SWS: I don’t know what it says about me, but I slipped into the character pretty easy, it was pretty seamless. I really enjoyed playing something darker. I think what was fun with this movie too, because it was a smaller budget that you don’t overanalyze with decisions you make as an actor, you just commit to it because you don’t have that many chances. So I had this idea of how I wanted the character to be portrayed, and then it worked out. I just saw the movie a couple days ago with an audience in the theater, and it was really rewarding to hear them kind of reactions when the character does something pretty violent. It was almost the same as when I remember going into the theater when ‘American Pie’ came out and hearing people laugh at an improv line, but in a completely different way.

    Seann William Scott as Darryl Jr. in the action/thriller/horror 'The Wrath of Becky,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    Seann William Scott as Darryl Jr. in the action/thriller/horror ‘The Wrath of Becky,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    MF: Tell us about the Nobel Men, their agenda, and did you draw any inspiration from real life radical groups that we saw at the United States Capital attack on January 6th?

    SWS: To be honest I didn’t. I did some research and some reading, which I thought was important. But for me it was mainly the character’s military background. He’s a former Army Ranger, and that is what I kind of leaned into the most. Really for most of the movie, he is thinking he’s up against this 16 year old badass who’s far more capable than the guys he has around him. So it was more just thinking military strategy and how would this guy respond based on his background. So I did spend a bit of time just trying to understand that side of things. But it was more just like, how does this guy with this military background respond to this insane, crazy, badass 16 year old?

    MF: Can you talk about how Darryl deals with Becky when she comes looking for revenge?

    SWS: Well, things happen so quickly in this movie, which is, I think one of the reasons why it’s awesome. I mean, I think it’s an hour and 24 minutes long. So he doesn’t have a lot of time to really respond. He’s taking everything in. All of a sudden these guys in his group show up and they have a dog. He’s trying to figure out where this dog is coming from? Then out of nowhere, somebody leaves a phone and then he finds out it’s a 16 year old girl, and why is she here? So he is processing everything and then things go bad. I mean, she just gets the upper hand and kind of slaughters all of them. So things don’t go really well for my character. Let’s just put it that way.

    Lulu Wilson as Becky in the action/thriller/horror 'The Wrath of Becky,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    Lulu Wilson as Becky in the action/thriller/horror ‘The Wrath of Becky,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    MF: What was it like working with Lulu Wilson?

    SWS: It’s funny because I think in a lot of ways we’re very similar because we’re really nice and pretty down to earth. So we would do a scene where my character is really violent and pretty brutal, and she would be emotional and terrified and then they’ll cut. She would say, “That was really good. You did a great job.” So she’s a big sweetheart, but I mean, as a performer, she’s incredible. I can’t do what she can do and I’m 30 years older. She did that at 16 when she really goes to every single emotion in one movie. So I think she’s a big star.

    MF: You have a scene in the film where your character is physically cruel to a dog. Was that a difficult scene for you to preform personally?

    SWS: Yeah, I love animals. That’s one of my biggest things is this dog was so sweet too. I was like, excuse me, how are we going to do the thing with the dog? Or I’m supposed to squeeze his head because obviously that’s not happening. I was holding this dog all day. He was a monster sized dog, but he was drooling and so sweet and looking up at me. I’m like, “Don’t you worry, buddy. It’s just a movie. It’s fake.” So I’m supposed to put my hand on top of his head and kind of squeeze. But the breed of doggie he is had all these big fatty wrinkles, so you could just push lightly and for him, it was a little bit of a tickle. But when you see it on screen, it looks really mean. But no, I wasn’t going to hurt him.

    Filmmakers Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote behind the scenes of the horror/thriller, 'The Wrath of Becky,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Filmmakers Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote behind the scenes of the horror/thriller, ‘The Wrath of Becky,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    MF: Can you talk about collaborating with directors Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote on this project?

    SWS: I really mean this, especially after seeing the movie. I think they’re phenomenal. This was one of those experiences, and I’ve done a few smaller movies, but with this movie, it just was different being on set. It was that kind of experience where you hear actors talk about like, “Oh man, shooting a smaller movie. You get really close with the crew. It’s just something totally different and really special.” That’s what the experience was like. Then when I watched the movie, I was like, oh, these guys are the real deal. They are incredible. It’s funny because I think that they were approached to make the movie like five months before we ended up shooting it, something like that. Matt wrote the script in three weeks. The fact that they put it all together in that amount of time with a limited budget is amazing. When you watch the movie it looks much bigger than it really was. I think these guys, they’re going to make some incredible movies.

    Paul Feig attends the World Premiere Of Netflix's 'The School For Good And Evil' at Regency Village Theatre on October 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
    Paul Feig attends the World Premiere Of Netflix’s ‘The School For Good And Evil’ at Regency Village Theatre on October 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    MF: Finally, while we are on the subject of directors, you just reunited with Paul Feig on ‘Grand Death Lotto.’ What was it like working with him again on his new film?

    SWS: It was awesome because I worked on a TV show that he produced called ‘Welcome to Flatch.’ So I already felt like I had bragging rights saying that I got a chance to work with him on that show. Then he offered me this amazing part in this movie and it was so much fun. I play a totally different character. I don’t want to give too much away because it’s kind of a surprise, but he’s like an action badass, and maybe a bad guy. I’m not in a big part of the movie, but it was really fun. It was a big movie to work with him on again, and I felt really grateful.

    Seann William Scott as Darryl Jr. in the action/thriller/horror 'The Wrath of Becky,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    Seann William Scott as Darryl Jr. in the action/thriller/horror ‘The Wrath of Becky,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Wrath of Becky’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Wrath of Becky’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘Becky’ On Amazon

    ‘The Wrath of Becky’ is produced by Post Film, BoulderLight Pictures, Media Finance Capital, RainMaker Films, and Yale Productions, and scheduled for release on May 26th.

  • Sebastian Stan and Maria Bakalova Attached to New Spy Comedy

    (Left) Sebastian Stan at D23 2022, (Center) Director Paul Feig at the premiere of 'The School for Good and Evil,' (Right) Maria Bakalova in 'Bodies Bodies Bodies.'
    (Left) Sebastian Stan at D23 2022, (Center) Director Paul Feig at the premiere of ‘The School for Good and Evil,’ (Right) Maria Bakalova in ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies.’

    Given that comedy director Paul Feig had a big success with 2015’s Melissa McCarthy comedy ‘Spy’, which earned more than $235 million worldwide, it’s understandable that he might be tempted by a new film looking to combine laughs and espionage.

    Which is good news for an untitled spy comedy in development at Paramount, which already has some potential casting in place –– as MCU stalwart Sebastian Stan and ‘Borat’ sequel star Maria Bakalova –– are attached to star.

    Jenny Bicks, whose comedy series ‘Welcome to Flatch’ is produced by Feig (and returns for a second season this fall) has been hired to write the script.

    Laurie Feig and Paul Feig attend the World Premiere Of Netflix's 'The School For Good And Evil' at Regency Village Theatre on October 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
    (L to R) Laurie Feig and Paul Feig attend the World Premiere Of Netflix’s ‘The School For Good And Evil’ at Regency Village Theatre on October 18, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

    What’s the story of this new spy movie?

    Details are scarce on this one, but according to Deadline, the concept originally appeared in a pitch to the studio about a failed double agent who becomes an unlikely success. Whether the agent would be played by Stan, Bakalova or someone else remains to be seen.

    And though you could conceivably see this as a way for Feig to finally realize the long-rumored sequel to ‘Spy’, it’s more likely the new movie is entirely unconnected, especially since that film was produced by the pre-Disney 20th Century Fox. And if Feig and co. were going to revisit it, you’ve got to figure the announcement would not be wrapped in such secrecy.

    If the spy comedy does end up in production, Feig will produce the movie as well as direct it, with Stan also producing.

    Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier.'
    Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier.’ Photo: Film Frame. © 2014 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

    Related Article: Paul Feig Talks ‘The School for Good and Evil’

    If it all comes together, this new spy movie could be fun: Stan certainly has action chops and has also proved he can do comedy of different flavors in ‘Fresh’, ‘I, Tonya’ and his quippy back-and-forths with Anthony Mackie in his Marvel appearances. Bakalova, meanwhile, broke out in ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’ and has since cropped up in the likes of ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’, ‘The Bubble’ and the upcoming ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’, in which she voices Cosmo the Space Dog (that will be in theaters on May 5th).

    Bicks has also written for shows such as ‘Sex and the City’, ‘Divorce’ and ‘The Big C’, while on the film front, she’s scripted movies including ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Rio 2’.

    Feig most recently released ‘The School for Good and Evil’, which debuted on Netflix and debuted top of the streaming service’s charts despite some very mixed reviews. He’s currently shooting ‘Grand Death Lotto’ a dystopian action comedy about a California lottery where the winner can legally be hunted down by other citizens, who can claim the prize should they kill the winner.

    Awkwafina is starring as the current winner, who has to go on the run, with John Cena and Simu Liu as private bodyguards vying to keep her safe. It should be in theaters next year.

    Sacha Baron Cohen and Maria Bakalova in 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.'
    (L to R) Sacha Baron Cohen and Maria Bakalova in ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.’

    Other Spy Comedy Movies:

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