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 meeting a childhood idol who inspired her deeply. And this is the part most people miss: the emotional weight of such moments in an actor’s career.
During an 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, Newton takes on a leading role in this horror-comedy franchise from Searchlight Pictures. Directed by the dynamic duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the film is set to hit theaters on April 10, 2026. Controversial opinion alert: Could this sequel surpass the original? Only time will tell, but expectations are sky-high.
Newton didn’t hold back her gratitude, thanking the audience for making the trailer the most-viewed in Searchlight’s history. ‘It means a lot to all of us who made the movie,’ she shared, her sincerity shining through. But the real jaw-dropper came when she recounted her reaction to learning Gellar was joining the cast. During rehearsals in Toronto, Newton spotted Gellar’s photo on the wall and blurted, ‘She’s in the movie?’ The directors confirmed it, and Newton’s response? She literally fell to the floor. ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a huge inspiration of mine,’ she explained, her admiration palpable.
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 vampire thriller Abigail. ‘They called me and said, ‘We wrote Ready or Not 2, and you’re the girl,’ Newton recalled. Her reaction? Screaming, crying, and rolling on the floor—a testament to her passion for the role.
In the sequel, Weaving returns 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. Here’s a fun twist: Newton revealed that Weaving, married to Cocaine Bear writer Jimmy Warden, even helped her navigate romance. ‘She flirted with a boy for me, and it went really well. And then I blew it,’ Newton admitted with a laugh.
Newton’s praise for Weaving was effusive: ‘Honestly, she’s the coolest girl in the world. She’s way cooler than me. She’s so beautiful, so down-to-earth, and she loves video games.’ Their off-screen connection adds a layer of authenticity to their on-screen dynamic, making Ready or Not 2 a must-watch.
Thought-provoking question for you: How often do we see childhood idols become real-life collaborators? Does it enhance the work, or does it add unnecessary pressure? Let’s discuss in the comments!
