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Tag: whitney-peak

‘Thrash’ Interview: Phoebe Dynevor, Djimon Hounsou and More
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Premiering on Netflix April 10th is the new survival thriller ‘Thrash’, which was directed by Tommy Wirkola (‘Violent Night’), and stars Phoebe Dynevor (‘Inheritance’), Djimon Hounsou (‘Guardians of the Galaxy’) and Whitney Peak (‘Trap House’).
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(L to R) Phoebe Dynevor, Whitney Peak and Djimon Hounsou star in ‘Thrash’.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Phoebe Dynevor, Djimon Hounsou and Whitney Peak about their work on ‘Thrash’, Hounsou’s first reaction to the screenplay, the relationship between Dynevor and Peak’s characters, and the challenges of filming in water.

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

Related Article: Director Neil Burger and Rhys Ifans Talk Action Thriller ‘Inheritance’

(L to R) Djimon Hounsou as Dr. Dale Edwards and Whitney Peak as Dakota in ‘Thrash’. Photo: Ben King/Netflix © 2026.

Moviefone: To begin with, Djimon, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and your character, and did you understand his motivations and how you wanted to play him immediately?

Djimon Hounsou: Yes. My first reaction was a yes. My first reaction was, hopefully, we can bring some awareness about how we’re affecting climate change. That mixed with a bit of a fictional story and a dynamic that plays with these two young ladies. It made it a potentially fun movie and realistic in so many ways as well.

Phoebe Dynevor as Lisa in ‘Thrash’. Photo: Ben King/Netflix © 2026.

MF: Phoebe, can you talk about the urgency of the situation your character finds herself in at the beginning of the movie, and what she’s willing to do to protect herself and her unborn baby?

Phoebe Dynevor: I think that was the magic of the character and the script for me was this idea of a mother’s instinct and doing whatever they can to save their child. We pictured that (famous) image of the woman holding up the car to save her child. Lisa has no choice but to go. But you can’t control labor, you can’t control when your child is going to be born. It happens and she must face it. So, it’s really about survival and her baby, their survival together. There’s a lot of challenges she must face. It’s like one thing after the next and then balancing the levels of childbirth and how the contractions get more intense, and her surroundings get more intense too. So that was fun to play.

Whitney Peak as Dakota in ‘Thrash’. Photo: Netflix © 2026.

MF: Whitney, can you talk about the friendship that forms between Lisa and Dakota, and what it was like creating that on screen with Phoebe?

Whitney Peak: I think, in a weird way, yes, Dakota does bond with Lisa, but I think a big part of it is how much she relates to Lisa’s baby, in a weird way. Because there’s that scene where Lisa’s talking to her baby, and she’s saying, “It’s not safe yet. It’s not time to come out yet so stay inside.” I think that’s been Dakota’s internal monologue the entire time. I think that relationship really does help her heal herself in a lot of ways.

Phoebe Dynevor as Lisa in ‘Thrash’. Photo: Ben King/Netflix © 2026.

MF: Finally, Phoebe, what was it like for you to constantly film in water and how challenging was the production?

PD: I was once told by an actor to never shoot in water and now I know why. It was a challenging experience, but it was in a great way. We shot in Melbourne in the middle of winter, so it was cold, but it was fun. The rain and the wind, that was all real, that was all happening. Those were machines that would pump that into our face, so we were acting against those challenges too. But for most of the shoot, we were in a tank with the whole crew. So, everyone was in their wetsuits. We were all in it together. It wasn’t like the actors were going through it and everyone else was just watching. It was very much a team effort.

A scene from ‘Thrash’. Photo: Netflix © 2026.

What is the plot of ‘Thrash’?

When a Category 5 hurricane decimates a coastal town, the storm surge brings devastation, chaos, and something far more frightening: hungry sharks.

Who is in the cast of ‘Thrash’?
- Phoebe Dynevor as Lisa Fields
- Whitney Peak as Dakota Edwards
- Djimon Hounsou as Dale Edwards
- Alyla Browne as Dee Olsen
- Stacy Clausen as Ron Olsen
- Dante Ubaldi as Will Olsen
Phoebe Dynevor as Lisa in ‘Thrash’. Photo: Ben King/Netflix © 2026.

List of Movies Featuring Sharks:
- ‘Jaws‘ (1975)
- ‘Deep Blue Sea‘ (1999)
- ‘Open Water‘ (2004)
- ‘The Reef‘ (2010)
- ‘Shark Night 3D‘ (2011)
- ‘The Shallows‘ (2016)
- ‘47 Meters Down‘ (2017)
- ‘The Meg‘ (2018)
- ‘The Requin‘ (2022)
- ‘The Black Demon‘ (2023)
- ‘Meg 2: The Trench‘ (2023)
- ‘Deep Water‘ (2026)
- ‘Thrash‘ (2026)
Buy Djimon Hounsou Movies On Amazon
April 9, 2026
Jennifer Lawrence to Appear in ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel
(L to R): Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson in ‘The Hunger Games.’ Photo: Lionsgate.

Preview:
- Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson will appear in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.’
- Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak are playing the lead roles.
- Francis Lawrence is again directing the movie.
Here’s some big news for ‘Hunger Games’ fans starving for any update on the next prequel movie, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ directed once more by regular filmmaker Francis Lawrence.

Variety reports that Jennifer Lawrence (no, no relation) and Josh Hutcherson, who were two of the key roles in the original movies, will be back to reprise their iconic characters.
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Lawrence will be Katniss Everdeen and Hutcherson will return as Peeta Mellark. “But Moviefone,” we hear you ask, “the new movie takes place years before their films. How will this work?”

Simple: Suzanne Collins’ book includes an epilogue set during Katniss and Peeta’s time where they appear with Haymitch (which suggests Woody Harrelson, who plays the older Haymitch, will also make an appearance, although his voice does appear in the teaser trailer.)

Related Article: Ralph Fiennes, Maya Hawke and More on for Latest ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel

What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.

While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of original films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Everdeen and Hutcherson’s Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Harrelson.

Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

(L to R) Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy and McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.

The cast already includes included Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.

In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.

Ralph Fiennes is the calculating President Snow while Kieran Culkin will be Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.)

Elle Fanning is on to be a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies.

Glenn Close is Sickle, the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, and Billy Porter is playing Magno Stift is her estranged husband and the Tributes’ uninspired designer.

When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?

Lionsgate will have the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.

(L to R) Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird and Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.

Other Movies in ‘The Hunger Games’ Franchise:
- ‘The Hunger Games‘ (2012)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire‘ (2013)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1‘ (2014)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2‘ (2015)
- ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes‘ (2023)
Buy ‘The Hunger Games’ Movies On Amazon
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December 11, 2025
‘Trap House’ Exclusive Interview: Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista in ‘Trap House’. Photo: Courtesy of AURA Entertainment.

Opening in theaters nationwide on November 14th is the new action thriller ‘Trap House’, which was directed by Michael Dowse (‘Stuber’), and stars Dave Bautista (‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’), Jack Champion (‘Avatar: The Way of Water’), Tony Dalton (‘Hawkeye’), and Bobby Cannavale (‘Ant-Man‘).
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Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Bautista about his work on ‘Trap House’, developing the project as a producer, balancing the action with the father/son story, his advice for young actor Jack Champion, fanboying over Bobby Cannavale, and his close working relationship with director Michael Dowse, as well as sword training to play The Kurgan in the upcoming remake of ‘Highlander’, and joining Jake Gyllenhaal for ‘Road House 2’.

Related Article: Dave Bautista Talks George R. R. Martin Adaptation ‘In the Lost Lands’

(L to R) Dave Bautista and Bobby Cannavale in ‘Trap House’. Photo: Courtesy of AURA Entertainment.

Moviefone: To begin with, can you talk about your work on ‘Trap House’ as a producer and the challenges of getting this movie made?

Dave Bautista: I’d have to go back to how this happened. So, a buddy of mine who works for the NSA now, but he’s kind of been around law enforcement. He was in the military, he’s been a cop, he worked for the DOD, and he worked for Federal law enforcement. Now he’s at the NSA. Anyway, he came to me with this idea. He said, “Hey, I got an idea. I wanted to run by you. It’s about a bunch of DEA agents and they’re seizing drugs and money from drug dealers. These kids, they’re just looking for a wild ride, so they start robbing the money from their parents. I said, “I don’t love that. I don’t love the kid stealing from the government. What about this?” So, I came up with the idea of the kids really needing the money, not just wanting the money or wanting to be on the wild ride but needing the money to help a friend. They start robbing drug dealers that their parents were investigating, because their parents of course they’re not going to suspect their kids. But I like the idea of turning into a three-way kind of cat and mouse. So that’s originally how it started. Then I’d done a film called ‘Final Score’ with the producer who I ended up producing ‘Final Score’ with, Marc Goldberg. So that’s how I pitched the idea to him, and he said, “I love that idea. Let’s a hire writer, and let’s do it”. So, that’s how it all initially started. When I read the first draft, it was very different from what I turned it turned out to be, because I it was originally more like ‘The Fast and the Furious’. I wanted it to be kind of that meets ‘Stand by Me’. I wanted it to be an adventure for the kids who kind of get in over their heads. But I wanted there to be some innocence to it and that’s kind of how it started. It took years to get the script to where we wanted it to be, and even then, there was still a rocky road after that. This was a hard film to make.

MF: Can you talk about balancing the film’s father and son story with the action and thriller aspects of the movie?

DB: That’s what we wanted it to be. We wanted it to be about strained relationships, but we always wanted it to be told from the kids’ point of view. I didn’t want the parents to be the star of this film. I wanted the kids to be the stars of the film. I also thought, I just wanted it to be fun, because sometimes, especially I found out with wrestling, you want the bad guy to get away with it. The kids, they’re not doing the right thing. They’re not doing the best thing. They’ve gotten themselves in way over their heads. But we went through drafts where one of the kids got shot, and I was like, “No, we can’t do that.” In one draft the kids got arrested, they went to prison, I was like, “No, we can’t do that.” It’s one of those things where it is just a fun film. This is not a documentary. We just want to have fun. We want kids to have fun watching this film. We want it to be a popcorn film. We want it to be entertaining. But it’s built a bridge between a father and his son who, where their relationship is strained and they’re trying to figure out how to bond. Then that’s how they got through all this mayhem. That’s the way my character was able to express his love to his son, which his son had never noticed before. He always thought he’d put his job first but Cody really knows that he’s sacrificing everything because he loves his son so much.

(L to R) Sophia Lillis, Jack Champion, Whitney Peak and Zaire Adams in ‘Trap House’. Photo: Courtesy of AURA Entertainment.

MF: Can you talk about creating that father and son relationship onscreen with Jack Champion?

DB: It was so easy. Jack and I bonded immediately. We’re kind of from the same neck of the woods, and he was really starting to get into boxing and stuff. So, we had something to talk about and it just happened organically. We went and trained before we started filming. We worked out together and you really get to know people if you work out together. So, we bonded immediately. I also thought, he’s just such a nice, cool, humble kid, and I’ve worked with people in Hollywood who started out young and I feel like they lose a connection with people. They kind of get sheltered, they get in a bubble, and they lose interaction with people. Jack didn’t have any of that. He was just super friendly and humble, and he really wanted to learn. I thought, man, this kid he’s a leading man. He kind of looked at me like a mentor on this film and to be honest with you, I kind of loved it. So, we had good conversations and I thought, he’s going to have a future in this business. I wanted to share with him some of the stuff that I learned along the way, and just hope he’s on the right path throughout his career and treats people great. I really believe in treating your crew great. They don’t make as much money as you do, and they don’t get the spotlight that you do, but they are working twice as hard as you do. They’re there before you get there, and they’re there after you leave. I believe that. I learned that from WWE. I’ve always carried that with me, and I try to pass that on to anybody who will listen. Since Jack is young in this business and impressionable, I wanted to share that with him, that sentiment, that’s the way I look at filmmaking. That’s the way. That’s the attitude I go to work with. Be nice to people, courteous to people, respect people and then build that kind of positive environment. In the hard days, that kind of environment, it pays off because it’s not like somebody’s working harder than somebody else. We’re all working. We’re all on it together. We’re in this fight because days on films get long and they get hard. You’re missing your family and you’re not sleeping well and you’re not eating right. So, if you build that relationship with people and keep it in a real positive environment, that starts from the top all the way down, then you get a good environment which will translate into good filmmaking. Hopefully, good filmmaking. But you know at least everybody’s on the same page and we’re trying to create a quality project. Everybody’s got their heart invested in it.

MF: What was it like working with Bobby Cannavale and what did you learn from watching the way he approaches a character?

DB: I was trying not to fanboy too much. Bobby’s a quiet guy. He’s not a big talker, and I have a thousand of questions to pick his brain about, especially his stage work. He’s a real guy’s guy. He’s super into sports and he’s super handsome, which is obnoxious. He’s a New Yorker, too, so he’s just a little rough around the edges. But he’s quiet and he’s to himself. He’s super low maintenance, doesn’t have an entourage with him, and he reads a lot. But I picked my spots and just kind of picked his brain about acting and stuff. I was such a big fan of his because I thought his portrayal of his character on ‘Boardwalk Empire’ was just so fearless. I just loved it so much, and so I wanted to pick his brain about that, but also about stage work because I aspire to do stage work. But I my relationship with him, it all built from a foundation of respect for what he’s done and the person he is, because he’s just a good solid dude, and super talented.

(L to R) Dave Bautista and Bobby Cannavale in ‘Trap House’. Photo: Courtesy of AURA Entertainment.

MF: I know that you have worked with director Michael Dowse in the past, what was it like reuniting with him on this film and what do you enjoy about the way he directs?

DB: We have a relationship. Michael and I go way back. We did a film called ‘Stuber’ together, which I’ve got a chip on my shoulder because I I’ve always felt like that film was super underrated. We just got smashed in the box office. I think people weren’t sure what the film was. It’s just my opinion, but I don’t think I was a big enough name to carry the film, but I still think it’s just a great film. It’s a fun film. We were also boxed between massive films like ‘Toy Story 4’, ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’. So, we just got smashed. But Mike saved us on this film because Mike stepped in last minute. We had a director and he dropped out weeks before we were supposed to start filming. So, I called Mike and I said, “Hey, we’re just in a jam.” He just jumped on it. Mike’s the type of guy who just knows what he wants. Again, he’s good to people and always has a good energy, but he’s just good at relaying what he wants. He makes things simple. He’s clearly the boss when he’s on set, he just has a vision. You never guess, who’s the boss? You’re never looking around, trying to figure it out. Like, who should I go to? Mike is the boss when he’s on set. So, people have a lot of respect for him, and I do as well. So, at that point, because we were behind and without a leader, we needed a leader and Mike stepped in and really kind of saved us. So, I always love him, and will be grateful for him for that, and other things as well, but most mostly that.

MF: What can you tell us about preparing for your upcoming role as The Kurgan in the remake of ‘Highlander’? Have you started sword training yet?

DB: I’ve been sword training for just about three months. It’s tough. This film is not going to be anything anybody’s seen before. I think this script is amazing. I don’t often get like super excited about scripts. I usually read scripts and then I start to think, how can we fix this? How can we make this better? There’s something there, but how can we elevate it? Not with this one. When I read it, I just got it. It was great. The characters were elevated, and there’s a lot of nods to the original, but it is very different. Also, the action on this is going to be ridiculous. I mean, it’s ‘John Wick’ amplified because it’s just never been done. Obviously, there’s going to be swords. I don’t think that’s going to a spoiler alert. There’s going to be swords, but it’s a lot of very stylized sword fighting. I mean, Chad (Stahelski) has been thinking about this for a very long time. Our ten-to-fifteen-minute meetings turn into two-hour conversations because I think he’s been obsessing over this film for years now. So, I think people are going to be really excited about this. I hope they are. I can’t wait for people to see the first trailer because I’ve seen mockups and I get goosebumps. I’m a fan of the original, and not every film should be remade, but this one had such a great and interesting premise. At the time, I don’t think it smashed box office records, but it’s got a bit of a cult following. But I want more people to be familiar with it and I’m sure this new film is going to be a box office smash, but I hope that it will bring attention to the original because I’m a massive fan of it and Clancy Brown. I got big shoes to fill, and I will be honest and say that I’m super nervous about it. I’m a little self-conscious because Clancy was in his 20’s when he played The Kurgan, and I’m over here in my 50s trying to fill his shoes. Those are big shoes to fill. So hopefully I do it justice, but I can say that it won’t be from lack of hard work because I’ve been working my butt off. I’ve been pursuing the role of The Kurgan for probably ten plus years, and so it is the dream role.

(Left) Dave Bautista stars in ‘In the Lost Lands’. (Right) Clancy Brown as The Kurgan in ‘Highlander’. Photo: 20th Century Fox.

MF: Finally, what has it been like joining ‘Road House 2’ and working with Jake Gyllenhaal?

DB: It’s great. This is a dream. I always tell people, I kind of measure my career by who I’m working with. I’ve been a fan of Jake’s for a very long time, and I told him that years ago because we had a mutual friend and he stuck us together on a FaceTime call. I was like, “Man, I’m a huge fan. I went, long before ‘Road House’ was even a conversation, to see him in ‘Othello’ on Broadway with Denzel Washington. I went back and talked to him, and he just blows me away. He’s a real actor. He’s the real deal. So, to think that I can say that I I’m working with him, if not to anyone else, it says to me something personally about where my career’s at, and it means a lot to me. I’ve never been an accolades guy, but when I can get respect from my peers and peers that I hold on to a pedestal, that means more to me. Plus, he’s a good dude. He’s just a great guy. He’s super down to earth, funny and smart, and just super talented. We’re having in depth conversations about things we’re doing in scenes, looks, mannerisms, backstories, and that’s what I love about acting.

‘Trap House’ opens in theaters on November 14th.

What is the plot of ‘Trap House’?

In El Paso, Texas, an undercover DEA agent (Dave Bautista) and his partner embark on a game of cat and mouse with their own teenage children, who are using their parents’ tactics and intel to rob a dangerous cartel.

Who is in the cast of ‘Trap House’?
- Dave Bautista as Ray Seale
- Jack Champion as Cody Seale
- Bobby Cannavale as Andre Washburn
- Sophia Lillis as Demi Morales
- Kate del Castillo as Natalie Cabrera
- Tony Dalton as Benito Cabrera
- Whitney Peak as Yvonne Reynolds
- Inde Navarrette as Teresa Flores
- Zaire Adams as Kyle Alvarez
- Blu del Barrio as Jesse Padilla
(Left) Dave Bautista in ‘Trap House’. Photo: Courtesy of AURA Entertainment.

List of Dave Bautista Movies:
- ‘The Man with the Iron Fists‘ (2012)
- ‘Riddick‘ (2013)
- ‘Guardians of the Galaxy‘ (2014)
- ‘Spectre‘ (2015)
- ‘Heist‘ (2015)
- ‘The Boss‘ (2016)
- ‘Marauders‘ (2016)
- ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2‘ (2017)
- ‘Blade Runner 2049‘ (2017)
- ‘Avengers: Infinity War‘ (2018)
- ‘Hotel Artemis‘ (2018)
- ‘Escape Plan 2: Hades‘ (2018)
- ‘Avengers: Endgame‘ (2019)
- ‘Stuber‘ (2019)
- ‘Escape Plan: The Extractors‘ (2019)
- ‘My Spy‘ (2020)
- ‘Army of the Dead‘ (2021)
- ‘Dune‘ (2021)
- ‘Thor: Love and Thunder‘ (2022)
- ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery‘ (2022)
- ‘Knock at the Cabin‘ (2023)
- ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3‘ (2023)
- ‘The Boy and the Heron‘ (2023)
- ‘Dune: Part Two‘ (2024)
- ‘My Spy: The Eternal City‘ (2024)
- ‘The Killer’s Game‘ (2024)
- ‘Trap House‘ (2025)
Buy Tickets: ‘In the Lost Lands’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Dave Bautista Movies On Amazon
November 10, 2025
‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Crucial Elements
‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.

Preview:
- The movie adaptation of ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled to release on November 20th, 2026.
- There are a few crucial elements that the film needs to get right in order for the movie to work.
- The casting choices are brilliant, which is a step in the right direction.
‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping‘ is currently filming with an incredible cast and will be hitting theaters on November 20th, 2026. Having read the book that the movie is based on, there are a few crucial elements that it needs to get right to make the fans happy and for the film to have a better chance at success.
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‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ tells the story of Haymitch Abernathy. Woody Harrelson portrays Haymitch in the original films, but this time around, fans get to learn more about his time in the Hunger Games and how that shaped the man he became. Joseph Zada is playing Haymitch in the new film. Having seen him in ‘We Were Liars‘ there is no doubt that he is the right man for the job.

Related Article: Glenn Close and Billy Porter Joining New ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel Movie

‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ Cannot Be Overly Predictable

(L to R) Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games’. Photo: Lionsgate.

Most people who watch ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ will know Woody Harrelson’s version of Haymitch already. While we never fully explored his background and what it was like for him in the games, we know it did a number on him as he hates to talk about it and is almost always seen with a drink in his hand.

Viewers also already know that he wins the 50th Hunger Games. This means that it will be obvious from the start that all the other children who enter the games die, and that Haymitch is never truly in danger of being killed. This is a slippery slope, as it means things can feel a bit predictable.

The book explores the story in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wondering who will die next and how. Even with the outcome of Haymitch’s story being known, it is exciting and entertaining to follow his journey. This is something the movie also needs to accomplish. It will not be easy, but with a great cast and carefully placed suspense and action, the odds will be ever in its favor.

Haymitch and Lenore Dove Need To Have Unmatched Chemistry

(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.

Probably the most important aspect that the movie has to get right, is the chemistry between Haymitch and Lenora Dove (who is being played by Whitney Peak). It has to be unmatched. Their love is a key part of the story and if it is not believable, the movie simply will not work.

Without audiences becoming fully invested in their relationship, things will fall apart and the movie will never reach its full potential. It has to be obvious that these two are soulmates, and that they would do absolutely anything for one another.

The book has been very well received, which is half the battle. So if Lionsgate is able to accomplish both of these things, it is the perfect set up for success.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Other Movies in ‘The Hunger Games’ Franchise:
- ‘The Hunger Games‘ (2012)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire‘ (2013)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1‘ (2014)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2‘ (2015)
- ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes‘ (2023)
Buy ‘The Hunger Games’ Movies On Amazon
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September 14, 2025
Glenn Close and Billy Porter Join New ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel
(Left) Glenn Close arrives at the 14th Governors Awards in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton / @ A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Billy Porter arrives on the red carpet of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Phil McCarten / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

Preview:
- Glenn Close and Billy Porter are the latest addition to the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
- Jhaleil Swaby is also aboard, playing the character of Panache.
- Francis Lawrence is again directing the movie.
While the cameras are now rolling on the new ‘Hunger Games’ franchise entry, prequel offering ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, you might think that the stream of casting would dry up. You’d be mistaken!

Two more big names and more of a rising star are the latest people to be announced, as Deadline reports that Glenn Close will be Drusilla Sickle, Billy Porter has the role of Magno Stift and Jhaleil Swaby (‘The Lake’) will play Panache.
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Here’s ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ producer Nina Jacobson on Close’s casting:

“Glenn Close is a dream Drusilla. She brings so much of her intellect and imagination to each role, creating characters who are unforgettable and iconic. I think Glenn and Francis will have a ball bringing Drusilla from the page to the screen.”

And regarding Porter:

“Billy is one of those rare performers who can dazzle and devastate in equal measure on stage and screen. He made an indelible impression on me when we worked together on Pose, both as an actor and a human being. Casting this show has felt like winning the lottery every time one of our idols said yes to us.”

Related Article: Ralph Fiennes, Maya Hawke and More on for Latest ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel

What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.

While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.

Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.

The cast also includes Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.

Ralph Fiennes is the latest actor to play the calculating Coriolanus Snow, who we meet as a younger man in previous prequel ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,’ there played by Tom Blyth and was most famously portrayed by Donald Sutherland as President Snow in the original four movies.

Maya Hawke, most recently seen in ‘Maestro’ and ‘The Kill Room’ and who provided the voice of Anxiety in ‘Inside Out 2,’ will be Wiress, former Hunger Games champion–turned–District 12 mentor.

Lili Taylor, as Deadline has learned, will be Mags, another former champion who is now a mentor for one of the District 12 tributes. And Ben Wang, who broke out in Disney+ series ‘American Born Chinese’ and will be one of the leads of ‘Karate Kid: Legends,’ has landed the role of District 12 Tribute Wyatt Callow.

In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.

Kieran Culkin accepts the award for Male Supporting Actor – Motion Picture at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Finally, recent Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin is to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci).

As for the new additions?

Close’s Sickle is the cruel escort to the District 12 Tributes, while Porter’s Stift is her estranged husband and the Tributes’ uninspired designer.

Swaby’s Panache, meanwhile is a crude and aggressive career tribute from District 1, known for his arrogance and ruthlessness.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk

Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.

Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:

“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”

And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:

“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”

When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?

Lionsgate will have the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Other Movies in ‘The Hunger Games’ Franchise:
- ‘The Hunger Games‘ (2012)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire‘ (2013)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1‘ (2014)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2‘ (2015)
- ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes‘ (2023)
Buy ‘The Hunger Games’ Movies On Amazon
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June 20, 2025
Ralph Fiennes and More Join New ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel
(Left) Ralph Fiennes. Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images. (Center) Maya Hawke. Photo: Trevor Tweeten. (Right) Lili Taylor. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for The National Audubon Society.

Preview:
- Ralph Fiennes will be President Snow in the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
- Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor and Kelvin Harrison Jr. are also joining the cast.
- The movie is set 24 years before the main movies.
Though we’ve been seeing a drip feed casting process for the new prequel to ‘The Hunger Games’ –– that would be ‘Sunrise on the Reaping,’ in case it had somehow slipped your mind –– that turned into something of a torrent this week with a slew of new announcements.
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Deadline brought the biggest news: Ralph Fiennes, who has a little bit of form playing the Big Bad in a book-based movie franchise, will become the latest actor to play the calculating Coriolanus Snow, who we meet as a younger man in previous prequel ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,’ there played by Tom Blyth and was most famously portrayed by Donald Sutherland as President Snow in the original four movies based on Suzanne Collins’ novel trilogy.

This is what producer Nina Jacobson of Color Force had to say about the new casting:

“We wanted to honor Donald Sutherland by having one of this generation’s greatest actors play President Snow 24 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. Working with Ralph has been on my bucket list since he traumatized me for life in ‘Schindler’s List.’ It’s genuinely a thrill to welcome him to the Hunger Games.”

Ben Wang in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.

And that’s not all! Maya Hawke, most recently seen in ‘Maestro’ and ‘The Kill Room’ and who provided the voice of Anxiety in ‘Inside Out 2,’ will be Wiress, former Hunger Games champion–turned–District 12 mentor.

Also on new additions list? Lili Taylor, who Deadline has learned will be Mags, another former champion who is now a mentor for one of the District 12 tributes. And Ben Wang, who broke out in Disney+ series ‘American Born Chinese’ and will be one of the leads of ‘Karate Kid: Legends,’ has landed the role of District 12 Tribute Wyatt Callow.

Last, and by no means least among the newcomers (in franchise terms) is Kelvin Harrison, Jr., last seen in ‘O’Dessa,’ who Jeff Sneider reports will be Beetee Latier, champion of the 34th Hunger Games and father of Ampert Latier, who is a Tribute in the new movie. Fun fact: Jeffrey Wright played Beetee in three of the original movies.

Franchise veteran Francis Lawrence is directing once again from a script by Billy Ray, and the cameras are now rolling.

Related Article: New ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel Finds Leads in Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak

What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.

While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.

Who else has been cast in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.

These new arrivals bolster a cast that already included Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak, who will play Haymitch Abernathy and the woman he loves, Lenore Dove Baird.

In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute, while Jesse Plemons has the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, as brought to life by Philip Seymour Hoffman in the original movies.

Kieran Culkin accepts the award for Male Supporting Actor – Motion Picture at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Fiennes’ casting resolves one rumor –– there has still been chatter about recent Academy Award winner Kieran Culkin mulling an offer to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.) Nothing official has been announced about that yet, so we can only assume a deal is still being worked on if at all.

Elle Fanning has also been linked with the role of a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies. But that has yet to be confirmed.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk

Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.

Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:

“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”

And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:

“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”

When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?

Lionsgate wants the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Other Movies in ‘The Hunger Games’ Franchise:
- ‘The Hunger Games‘ (2012)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire‘ (2013)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1‘ (2014)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2‘ (2015)
- ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes‘ (2023)
Buy ‘The Hunger Games’ Movies On Amazon
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May 19, 2025
Joseph Zada to Lead ‘Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’
(Left) Joseph Zada to star as Haymitch Abernathy in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo credit: Hugh Stewart. (Right) Whitney Peak to star as Lenore Dove Bard in ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. Photo: Kate Whyte.

Preview:
- Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak are playing Haymitch and Lenore in the new ‘Hunger Games’ prequel.
- Francis Lawrence will direct the movie.
- ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ will be out in November next year.
The casting news for the latest ‘Hunger Games’ prequel –– once more based on a book by Suzanne Collins, this time subtitled ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ –– has been ramping up.
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We recently learned that Elle Fanning has been linked with the role of a younger Effie Trinket; the effusive stylist as portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the original ‘Hunger Games’ movies. But that has yet to be confirmed.

We do know, however, who has won the lead roles: Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak will play Haymitch Abernathy and Lenore Dove Baird.

Here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-president Erin Westerman on the casting:

“ ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise has long been a launching pad for remarkable young actors, and Jo and Whitney carry that legacy forward with incredible heart, depth, and fire. After auditioning hundreds of gifted performers from around the world, these two stood out — not just for their talent, but for the emotional truth they brought to these iconic roles. Haymitch has always been a fan favorite, and his origin story is one of the most anticipated in the franchise. His relationship with Lenore Dove is deeply woven into the emotional history of Panem. We can’t wait for fans to experience the story that shaped one of the most compelling characters in the series.”

Mckenna Grace is set join the cast of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ as Maysilee Donner. Photo credit: Gus Black.

In addition to the two leads, we also now know that McKenna Grace, who has appeared in the recent ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be in the movie as Maysilee Donner, Haymitch’s fellow District 12 Tribute.

Jesse Plemons in ‘Kinds of Kindness.’ Photo by Atsushi Nishijima. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

With more casting announcements coming in, Jesse Plemons (‘Kinds of Kindness‘) has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee, the role played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1‘ and ‘Part 2‘.

What’s the story of ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. Photo: Lionsgate.

While the previous prequel took place 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ is set 24 years before that trio of Jennifer Lawrence films in the world of Panem, commencing on the morning of the reaping of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Those games are an important event in the canon as the victor was Haymitch Abernathy, the only winner from District 12 before Lawrence’ Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta Mellark’s tie win. Haymitch continues on to become a mentor, a character in the original movies played by Woody Harrelson.

While Lenore is only briefly mentioned in the book ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay,’ she’s a full character in ‘Sunrise on the Reaping.’

Who else has been rumored for ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’?

Kieran Culkin accepts the award for Male Supporting Actor – Motion Picture at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Zada’s casting puts paid to the rumors that Charlie Plummer, who appears in Lawrence’s Stephen King adaptation ‘The Long Walk,’ due in theaters on September 12th, would take Haymitch role.

That might end up throwing doubt on the idea that Ralph Fiennes will also end up in the movie, to play Coriolanus Snow, as brought to screens by Donald Sutherland in the original films and Tom Blyth in previous prequel effort ‘Songbirds and Snakes.’

And then there was word that Kieran Culkin is mulling an offer to play Caesar Flickerman (the eccentric host character played in the first film series by Stanley Tucci.) We’ll wait and see if there is an official announcement about any of them.

Related Article: Elle Fanning May be Effie Trinket in Upcoming ‘The Hunger Games’ Prequel

Where else have we seen Joseph Zada and Whitney Peak?

(L-R): Belissa Escobedo as Izzy, Whitney Peak as Becca, and Lilia Buckingham as Cassie in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Zada will next be seen starring in the highly anticipated Prime Video series ‘We Were Liars,’ which premieres this June.

He also just completed work on Netflix‘s ‘East of Eden,’ a seven-episode limited series based on the 1952 John Steinbeck novel, written and produced by Zoe Kazan.

As for Peak, she has the lead in Sony Pictures’ upcoming shark thriller ‘Shiver’ opposite Phoebe Dynevor, and a role opposite Liam Neeson and Teresa Palmer in ‘4 Kids Walk into a Bank.’

Previously, she was seen in the ‘Gossip Girl’ reboot co-starred in ‘Hocus Pocus 2.’

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’: Collins and the filmmakers talk

Director Francis Lawrence in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.

Here’s Suzanne Collins’ statement on the new book and movie:

“With ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’, I was inspired by David Hume’s idea of implicit submission and, in his words, ‘the easiness with which the many are governed by the few… The story also lent itself to a deeper dive into the use of propaganda and the power of those who control the narrative. The question ‘Real or not real?’ seems more pressing to me every day. From the beginning, Lionsgate has been a wonderful home and partner for the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise, and I’m very excited to be collaborating with Adam and the team as we bring this next story to theaters in 2026.”

And here’s Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson:

“Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller and our creative north star. We couldn’t be more fortunate than to be guided and trusted by a collaborator whose talent and imagination are so consistently brilliant. We know ‘Hunger Games’ fans worldwide will be spellbound by where Suzanne has focused this next extraordinary story. The Second Quarter Quell is legendary and looms large over the history of the Games, even into the time of Katniss Everdeen a quarter-century later. Like fans around the globe, we are eagerly anticipating this exciting return to Panem.”

When will ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ be in theaters?

Lionsgate already has a release date in place for this one: the studio wants the new movie in theaters on November 20th, 2026.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ opens in theaters on November 20, 2026.

Other Movies in ‘The Hunger Games’ Franchise:
- ‘The Hunger Games‘ (2012)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire‘ (2013)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1‘ (2014)
- ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2‘ (2015)
- ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes‘ (2023)
Buy ‘The Hunger Games’ Movies On Amazon
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April 24, 2025
Third ‘Hocus Pocus’ Movie in Development
(L-R): Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, and Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson in ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Disney is fond of dipping into its back catalogue for sequels and remakes, and last year brought the witchy Sanderson sisters back for a second round of family-friendly dark magic in ‘Hocus Pocus 2’.

Now, buried in a New York Times profile of Sean Bailey, the veteran president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, comes word that a third ‘Hocus Pocus’ is in early development at the company.
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What’s the story of ‘Hocus Pocus’ so far?

1993’s original movie followed the chaos wrought by the Sanderson sisters –– Bette Midler’s Winifred, Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sarah and Kathy Najimy’s Mary –– after they are executed 300 years in the past for practicing what their fellow villagers contend is dark witchcraft.

Returning to life thanks to a combination of a spell spoken before their demise and the accidental actions of Max, the new kid in the town of Salem, the sisters have but one night to secure their continuing existence… Cue a lot of magical madness and cackling characters.

That movie was directed by Kenny Ortega, and while it didn’t exactly win over critics or cast a truly successful spell at the box office, it became a cult classic that families would watch each Halloween.

Disney had been flirting with the idea of a sequel for a few years, looking to key into the nostalgia for the original, but targeting Disney+ as the destination for the new movie.

‘Hocus Pocus 2’ landed on the streaming service last year, directed by Anne Fletcher, saw the Sanderson sisters returning again thanks to the accidental use of a black flame candle by teenager Becca (Whitney Peak), who is an aspiring witch.

(L-R): Belissa Escobedo as Izzy, Whitney Peak as Becca, and Lilia Buckingham as Cassie in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Related Article: ‘Hocus Pocus 2’s Sam Richardson and Doug Jones Talk New Disney+ Sequel

Serving as both a sequel and a semi-reboot of the original, ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ suffered a similar fate as the original with critics, but proved to be a success among audiences, notching a Nielsen record for a streaming movie in its first weekend with 2.7 billion minutes views.

It’s hardly surprising that Disney would look to conjure something new up for the franchise, but right now details are thin on the ground.

We don’t for example, know if Midler, Parker and Najimy will be back, but we can’t really imagine a ‘Hocus Pocus’ movie without the main trio.

Still, talking with Variety around the time of the sequel’s launch, writer Jen D’Angelo revealed her hopes for the return of other characters from the original, including Omri Katz’s Max and Vinessa Shaw’s Allison Watts.

Here’s what she said:

“We tried so hard to get the original cast back for cameos and then it just kept not working out for one reason or the other. But I’m hoping in ‘Hocus Pocus 3,’ we’ll see Max and Alison living in California.”

There is no release date set yet for ‘Hocus Pocus 3’, since it’s still at an early stage.

(L-R): Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Other Movies Similar to ‘Hocus Pocus 2′:
- ‘The Witches of Eastwick‘ (1987)
- ‘Edward Scissorhands‘ (1990)
- ‘Death Becomes Her‘ (1992)
- ‘Hocus Pocus‘ (1993)
- ‘Practical Magic‘ (1998)
- ‘Freaky Friday‘ (2003)
- ‘Enchanted‘ (2007)
- ‘Into the Woods‘ (2014)
- ‘The House with a Clock in Its Walls‘ (2018)
- ‘Hubie Halloween‘ (2020)
- ‘The Munsters‘ (2022)
- ‘Disenchanted‘ (2022)
- ‘Hocus Pocus 2‘ (2022)
Buy ‘Hocus Pocus’ Movies On Amazon
June 5, 2023
‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Interview: Sam Richardson and Doug Jones

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Premiering on Disney+ beginning September 30th is the sequel to the 1993 hit film ‘Hocus Pocus,’ which is aptly entitled ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ and was directed by Anne Fletcher (‘The Proposal’).

Set twenty-nine years after the original in present day, the Sanderson sisters, including Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) are back and causing havoc in Salem, Massachusetts.

Now, three young girls, Becca (Whitney Peak), Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), must team with Gilbert (Sam Richardson), a magic store owner, and Winnie’s former lover, Billy Butcherson (Doug Jones) in order to stop the Sanderson Sisters from killing the Mayor of Salem (Tony Hale), who is also Cassie’s dad.

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Sam Richardson and Doug Jones about their work on ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ Richardson’s love for the original, what it was like for Jones to reprise his role, working with the witches, the challenges of playing a headless character, and how Gilbert betrays his friends’ trust.

(L to R) Sam Richardson and Doug Jones star in Disney+’s ‘Hocus Pocus 2.’

Moviefone: To begin with, Sam, were you a fan of the original movie, and what was it like for you to share the screen with the Sanderson sisters?

Sam Richardson: I wouldn’t say that I was a fan of the original, I would say that I was an uberfan and a true obsessed maniac for this movie. So, to get to work with them as a fan, it was a constant struggle to make sure that I was acting and not just being myself talking to these ladies. But it was such a treat. Luckily, Gilbert is a fan, so to wear that layer, about half the work was done for me over the course of 30 years.

MF: Doug, can you talk about returning to the franchise and reprising your role as Billy Butcherson, and what are the challenges physically of playing a headless character?

Doug Jones: Well, returning to the franchise was something I had hoped for but never thought possible. You never know. But as the fandom grew over the years to a point now where it is a part of everyone’s Halloween, our original fans have kids of their own that are now fans of the movie. So, it’s just grown and grown and grown, and because of that, and petitions online, they’re like, “We need a sequel.” Thank heaven for the fans that made this sequel happen.

And being headless is a part of the deal for Billy Butcherson, unfortunately. He’s strung together with dust, he can’t help himself and he’s been dead for 300 years. I’m surprised he’s even walking. So, you’ll see more things come apart on Billy in the sequel. It won’t let you down.

Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson in ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

MF: Finally, Sam, can you talk about Gilbert’s friendship with Becca, Cassie, and Izzy, and how he betrays their trust?

SR: Gilbert owns the magic shop, which is the witches’ original home. Gilbert’s magic shop is the place where the girls frequent, and he’s sort of a mentor to them in the magical arts and such. So, he’s a person that they trust, but then Gilbert surreptitiously uses their love of magic to bring these witches back. That betrayal is something he immediately regrets, seeing what he’s wrought upon the world, but also, he’s trying to fix this thing and sort apologize to the girls, and then to apologize to Billy.

DJ: He betrayed me, too. Let’s be honest.

SR: He’s in over his head, no pun intended. He’s just always at the back on his heels from the start of the movie on. It was a fun thing to play with in this movie.

Sam Richardson as Gilbert in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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September 30, 2022
Movie Review: ‘Hocus Pocus 2’

(L to R) Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Releasing on Disney+ September 30th, ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ is aiming to work on several fronts: as a sequel to Disney’s 1993 fantasy comedy and as a family-friendly entry in a Halloween movie marathon.

It is admirably successful in both efforts.

The original ‘Hocus Pocus’, directed by Kenny Ortega, spun the yarn of the Sanderson sisters – Bette Midler’s sarcastic Winifred, Kathy Najimy’s goofy Mary and Sarah Jessica Parker’s ditzy Sarah – who, legend tells, were hung in the town of Salem as witches. Swearing that they will return for retribution, they cast a curse upon Salem.

Accidentally resurrected through use of a black flame candle, they end up causing fresh chaos in the town for one night in 1993 before the coming sunrise banishes them once more.

That film wasn’t exactly beloved by critics and didn’t cast that much of a spell at the box office. Yet despite that, it has grown into a cult favorite in the years since, regularly finding a slot on Halloween re-watches largely because it’s the sort of supernatural fantasy that works, boosted by the playing-to-the-back-of-the-theater gusto of Midler in particular.

Sam Richardson as Gilbert in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

With Anne Fletcher in the director’s chair this time around, the story is set in the present day, when Salem still goes big for Halloween, and the legend of the Sanderson sisters lingers on through costumes and magic shop owner Gilbert (Sam Richardson), who loves to tell their story on the small makeshift stage in his store.

Yet the initial focus is on teens Becca (Whitney Peak) and Izzy (Belissa Escobedo), who are planning their annual ritual for the former’s birthday. Normally involving a movie marathon and “witchy stuff” (according to a mocking classmate) their celebrations are muted by cooling relations with the third member of their friendship trio, Cassie (Lilia Buckingham), who nabbed herself a cool boyfriend and seems less interested in hanging with her old pals.

When Gilbert gifts Becca a black flame candle, she and Izzy head to the local woods to light it and enact their usual ceremony – but you can guess what happens. With the Sandersons back in town (and determined not to be undone by pesky teenagers or sunlight this time around), their plan is to gather the items they need to cast a powerful spell that will grant them ultimate witchy power.

Becca and Izzy, then, must try to stop them, with an assist from Billy Butcherson (a returning Doug Jones), the zombified remains of Winifred’s one true love, though he argues they shared “but one kiss”.

(L-R): Belissa Escobedo as Izzy, Whitney Peak as Becca, and Lilia Buckingham as Cassie in Disney’s live-action ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

And before any of this happens, there is a charming prologue set in 1653 featuring younger versions of the Sandersons (Taylor Henderson, Nina Kitchen and Juju Journey Brener) first embracing their supernatural destiny with the help of a scene-stealing Hannah Waddingham (best known for playing Rebecca Welton on ‘Ted Lasso’), who is honestly so entertaining in her brief role that you almost wish the screenplay had found some way for her to appear more.

Yet the big selling point remains Midler and co. camping it up as the witchy trio, clearly having a blast returning to their roles. The script by Jen D’Angelo gives them plenty to get their teeth into (a plus when you consider the choppers on Winifred), keeping the characters in line with how people remember them but given them new things to do.

Whether it’s finding new things to use as brooms to fly upon (Sarah grabs a Swiffer WetJet, Mary a pair of misbehaving Roombas) or figuring that an Alexa is really a women trapped in a box), they’re a constant, campy delight, infecting the rest of the cast with that sense of wacky joy.

Peak and Escobedo are likeable, down-to-earth leads who play well off the bigger performances of the witches as they desperately try to fix the havoc that has been caused.

(L-R): Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, and Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson in ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Amusing set-pieces such as an early one set in a Walgreens (where Becca and Izzy try to convince the trio that they don’t need to consume young souls to stay youthful, because make-up products in modern-day America are bursting with the essence of babies) and one at the local Halloween carnival (with the sisters once again given a chance to sing).

Most smartly, the film has assembled a top-notch comedy cast to support the stars – Richardson is a lively and funny Gilbert while Tony Hale throws himself into the dual role of the witch-hunting Reverend Traske (in the prologue) and his descendent, the fun-loving Mayor Traske (who naturally factors into the Sandersons’ plan in the present day).

Jones, meanwhile, gets to wheel out his faux British accent as Billy, this time handed more of a backstory and allowed plenty of space for the actor’s spot-on physical comedy chops.

It’s another fairly straight-forward story, of course, but underpinned by a healthy emotional arc for Midler, particularly near the end as the true consequences of her achieving ultimate power are revealed.

Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson in ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Matt Kennedy. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Effects-wise, it was never going to challenge big screen efforts in terms of quality, but that just adds to the kitsch value and helps make the movie feel more of a piece with the original.

This is the refreshing legacy sequel that doesn’t try to remake the original and, while it naturally goes down a similar route, finds enough fresh magic to sprinkle across the story. Fans of the first film will enjoy the callbacks (which are used sparingly and well) and those who’ve never seen that movie can enjoy this one without needing to have caught up.

‘Hocus Pocus 2’ is cheesy, silly and straightforwardly funny in a way that both honors and, at times, bests the original.

‘Hocus Pocus 2’ receives 4 out of 5 stars.

(L to R) Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler, and Sarah Jessica Parker in ‘Hocus Pocus 2,’ which will cast a spell on Disney+ on September 30th.
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September 29, 2022