In a recent casting announcement, Raúl Castillo, fresh off the success of Smile 2, has been confirmed to join the ensemble cast of 20th Century Studios’ remake of the 1992 psychological thriller classic, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. Castillo will take on a significant supporting role in this reimagining, adding his talent to a project already generating considerable buzz.
Castillo is set to portray Michael Bartel, the architect husband to Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s character. This role was originally played by Annabella Sciorra in the initial film. The narrative centers around Claire Bartel, Winstead’s character, a happily married woman expecting her second child who unwittingly becomes the target of a manipulative nanny. Maika Monroe will step into the shoes of the nanny, a role made iconic by Rebecca De Mornay in the original. The plot unfolds as this nanny, driven by a dark agenda stemming from personal and professional devastation, infiltrates the Bartel family’s life. Gradually earning their trust, she begins to manipulate them from within, with her ultimate and sinister objective being to dismantle Claire’s life and usurp her position within the family.
The original The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, directed by Curtis Hanson, became a defining thriller of the early 90s, captivating audiences with its suspenseful storyline and compelling performances. The remake is being directed by Michelle Garza Cervera, with a script penned by Micah Bloomberg. Ted Field is producing through Radar Pictures, alongside Michael Schaefer and Mike Larocca for Department M. Michael Napoliello and Maria Frisk are overseeing the project for Radar. Interestingly, Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa, who later formed the acclaimed writing team behind Jurassic Park and Planet of the Apes, were deeply involved in the original film, with Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa serving as writer and executive producer, respectively.
Raúl Castillo’s recent career trajectory has seen him increasingly gravitate towards genre projects. His role in Paramount’s Smile 2, which has achieved a global box office success exceeding $131 million, has further solidified his presence in the thriller space. His upcoming projects include a trio of indie thrillers — Cold Wallet, Push, and Barron’s Cove — as well as a part in the highly anticipated HBO limited series Task, from Brad Ingelsby, the creator of Mare of Easttown. Castillo, a Gotham and Independent Spirit Award nominee, is represented by CAA, JWS Entertainment, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, highlighting his rising profile in Hollywood. This casting in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle remake further cements his status as a sought-after talent in contemporary thrillers.
Will Ferrell and Nicholas Stoller
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