Sophie Thatcher has carved a niche in horror, but it’s taken a toll on the young actor. Known for her roles in The Boogeyman, The Exorcist, and Yellowjackets, Thatcher, 24, admits that repeatedly portraying terror affects her. “When you build yourself into such a panic, it’s hard to come down,” she shared. Despite her successes, Thatcher’s ready to explore new paths beyond being the “scream queen” of her generation.
Her latest film, Heretic, marks her entry into A24’s celebrated horror roster, where she stars alongside Hugh Grant. Thatcher plays Sister Barnes, a Mormon missionary who, along with her partner (played by Chloe East), encounters a seemingly approachable but ultimately sinister theologian, Mr. Reed (Grant). The film delves into deep issues of faith and the dark undertones of religious belief. For Thatcher, it was a role that allowed her to draw on her own childhood as a former Mormon and to create a realistic portrayal of faith, while respecting her family’s continued beliefs.
Thatcher says working with Grant, a longtime favorite, was both thrilling and daunting. “He’s incredibly honest,” she noted, appreciating his directness and openness on set. “There’s no sugar-coating with him, and that’s rare to find.” Grant even watched her breakout show Yellowjackets, which added to her admiration.
Yellowjackets catapulted Thatcher to stardom with her role as Nat, a young woman thrust into a world of wilderness survival and moral complexity. The show, though dark, resonated deeply with audiences. Thatcher recalls her connection with co-star Juliette Lewis, who played Nat’s older self, and the impact of Lewis’s departure from the series. “I was just sobbing,” Thatcher recalled of the table read. The two have stayed in touch, with Thatcher leaning on Lewis for advice as she navigates the industry.
In addition to Yellowjackets, Thatcher has faced the intensity of Star Wars fandom after appearing in The Book of Boba Fett. The reception was tough, especially given the pandemic’s isolating effects. “I had nothing better to do than scroll on Reddit… it was bad,” she admitted. Still, the experience prepared her for the scrutiny that comes with fame.
Despite the challenges, Thatcher is grateful for the journey. As she continues to explore roles outside horror, her career trajectory speaks to her talent and resilience as she moves beyond fear and into new creative territory.