Imagine being so overwhelmed with excitement that you literally collapse to the ground. That’s exactly what happened to Kathryn Newton when she discovered she’d be sharing the screen with none other than Sarah Michelle Gellar in Ready or Not 2. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: Newton’s reaction wasn’t just about working with a co-star—it was about standing alongside a childhood icon who inspired her deeply. And this is the part most people miss: the raw, emotional connection between actors and their influences, which often fuels their performances in ways audiences rarely see.
During a candid onstage conversation at CCXP in São Paulo, Brazil, Newton opened up about her journey, past projects, and her role in the highly anticipated sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come. Joining forces with Samara Weaving, the duo leads the second installment of Searchlight Pictures’ horror-comedy franchise, directed by the dynamic duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. Mark your calendars—the film hits theaters on April 10, 2026. But here’s the controversial part: While fans are buzzing about the sequel, some are already debating whether it can live up to the original’s cult status. What do you think? Can lightning strike twice?
Newton took a moment to thank the audience for their overwhelming response to the trailer, which became Searchlight’s most-viewed of all time. ‘It means a lot to all of us who poured our hearts into this movie,’ she shared, her gratitude palpable.
The real jaw-dropper? Newton’s reaction when she learned Gellar was joining the cast. During rehearsals in Toronto, she spotted Gellar’s photo on the wall and blurted out, ‘She’s in the movie?’ The directors confirmed it, and Newton’s response was nothing short of dramatic. ‘I literally fell on the floor,’ she recalled. ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a massive inspiration for me growing up.’ And this is where it gets personal: How many of us have dreamed of working with our idols? Newton’s story is a reminder that even stars get starstruck.
What’s even more heartwarming? Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett wrote Ready or Not 2 with Newton in mind after directing her in last year’s Abigail. ‘They called me and said, ‘We wrote this for you,’ she gushed. ‘I was screaming, crying, rolling on the floor—it was surreal.’ But here’s the question: Does tailoring a role for a specific actor enhance the film, or does it limit creative freedom? Let’s debate that in the comments.
In Ready or Not 2, Weaving reprises her role as Grace MacCaullay, fighting to survive a deadly game orchestrated by wealthy families. Newton plays Faith, Grace’s estranged younger sister, and she couldn’t be more grateful for her bond with Weaving. ‘She’s the coolest girl in the world,’ Newton raved. ‘She’s beautiful, down-to-earth, and she even loves video games.’ And this is the part that’ll make you smile: Weaving, married to Cocaine Bear writer Jimmy Warden, even played wingwoman for Newton, texting a guy on her behalf. ‘She flirted for me, and it went really well—until I messed it up,’ Newton laughed.
So, here’s the big question: Can Ready or Not 2 capture the magic of its predecessor while bringing something fresh to the table? And more importantly, are you Team Grace or Team Faith? Let’s hear your thoughts—agree or disagree, the floor is yours!
