Following the impressive box office performance of Smile 2, actor Raúl Castillo is set to take on a supporting role in 20th Century Studios’ remake of the 1992 psychological thriller classic, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. This updated version will feature Maika Monroe and Mary Elizabeth Winstead in leading roles, promising a fresh take on the suspenseful storyline.
Castillo will be stepping into the role of Michael Bartel, the architect husband of Winstead’s character. In the original film, this character, Claire Bartel, was portrayed by Annabella Sciorra. The narrative centers around Claire, a happily pregnant woman who unknowingly becomes the target of a sinister plot orchestrated by a nanny. Originally played by Rebecca De Mornay, the nanny role will now be taken on by Monroe. The original The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, directed by Curtis Hanson, captivated audiences with its tale of Peyton, a nanny who infiltrates the Bartel family seeking revenge and aiming to dismantle Claire’s life and family.
Michelle Garza Cervera is at the helm of this remake, directing from a script penned by Micah Bloomberg. Ted Field of Radar Pictures is producing alongside Michael Schaefer and Mike Larocca from Department M. Michael Napoliello and Maria Frisk are overseeing the project for Radar. Interestingly, Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa, known for their writing partnership on Jurassic Park and Planet of the Apes, have a history with the original film. Silver and Jaffa were respectively writer and executive producer on the 1992 thriller, predating their successful collaboration.
Generic image representing casting news for "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" remake, featuring actors and production details.
Castillo’s recent career trajectory shows a leaning towards genre projects. He is currently featured alongside Naomi Scott in Paramount’s Smile 2, a film that has already grossed over $131 million. Looking ahead, Castillo has a diverse slate of indie thrillers lined up, including Cold Wallet, Push, and Barron’s Cove. Additionally, he is set to appear in the highly anticipated HBO limited series Task, from Brad Ingelsby, the creator of Mare of Easttown.
Generic image representing casting news for "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" remake, featuring actors and production details.
Recognized for his talent, Castillo is a Gotham and Independent Spirit Award nominee. He is represented by CAA, JWS Entertainment, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, demonstrating his strong industry connections as he joins the cast of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle remake, adding to the anticipation for this reimagining of the classic thriller and highlighting the talented actors involved in bringing this story to a new generation.
