A Rising Star in Horror and Sci-Fi
Audiences are about to be enthralled by Drew Hancock's Companion, a gripping horror-thriller that follows a weekend getaway turned murderous. While The Boys star Jack Quaid plays a man trying to control the chaos, the true center of the film is Sophie Thatcher's Iris, whose descent into madness turns a weekend retreat into a blood-soaked nightmare. But as moviegoers watch her deliver a stunning performance, many will find themselves wondering: where have they seen her before?
The answer is simple—Sophie Thatcher has been steadily carving her name into the world of horror and sci-fi, delivering unforgettable performances in film and television alike. Her breakout roles in The Exorcist TV series, Yellowjackets, The Book of Boba Fett, and The Boogeyman have made her one of the most promising young actors in Hollywood. Let's take a look at the key projects that cemented her place in the industry.
A Possessed Past: The Exorcist (2016-2017)
Thatcher first dipped her toes into horror in The Exorcist TV series, where she played a young Regan MacNeil in flashbacks. Though brief, her performance as a traumatized victim of demonic possession added emotional weight to the show's lore. While the series was canceled after two seasons, it proved to be a stepping stone for Thatcher, solidifying her as an actor capable of handling intense psychological roles.
The Queen of Yellowjackets (2021-Present)
If The Exorcist introduced Thatcher to horror fans, Yellowjackets cemented her as a genre powerhouse. In this critically acclaimed Showtime series, she plays Natalie Scatorccio, a troubled survivor of a 1996 plane crash that left a high school soccer team stranded in the wilderness. Spanning two timelines, the show follows Thatcher's teenage Natalie, while Juliette Lewis portrays her adult counterpart.
Thatcher's performance is both raw and magnetic, perfectly capturing the rebellious and emotionally scarred Natalie. The second season of Yellowjackets ended on a gut-wrenching note, but Thatcher is set to return for Season 3, bringing more intrigue and psychological drama to one of television's most compelling mysteries.
A Galaxy Far, Far Away: The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
Thatcher expanded her reach beyond horror by joining the Star Wars universe in The Book of Boba Fett, where she played Drash, a member of the cyberpunk-inspired street gang known as the Mods. While her character had limited screen time, Thatcher's cool and rebellious portrayal left an impression on fans. She even hinted in an interview that her character might return in future Star Wars projects, keeping hope alive for those who wanted to see more of her in a galaxy far, far away.
Fighting the Darkness in The Boogeyman (2023)
In 2023, Thatcher took on the lead role in The Boogeyman, a film adaptation of Stephen King's short story. She played Sadie, a grieving teenager who begins experiencing supernatural terror after her mother's death. The Boogeyman received praise for its eerie atmosphere, with Thatcher's compelling performance grounding the film's horror in real emotional stakes. Her portrayal of a reluctant but determined final girl showcased her ability to lead a genre film with both vulnerability and strength.
Facing Hugh Grant's Dark Side: Heretic (2024)
In Heretic, Thatcher starred alongside Chloe East as a young missionary who encounters a sinister figure played by Hugh Grant. The film, directed by A Quiet Place co-writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, leaned into psychological horror, placing Thatcher in another tension-filled, high-stakes narrative. Her ability to share the screen with a veteran like Grant without being overshadowed speaks volumes about her talent and screen presence.
The Future of Sophie Thatcher
With Companion now in theaters and Yellowjackets returning for a third season, Sophie Thatcher's career is only heating up. Her diverse roles across horror, sci-fi, and thriller genres prove she's not just a rising star—she's a force to be reckoned with.
Personal Impressions:
Sophie Thatcher's ascent in Hollywood is a testament to her ability to deliver deeply emotional and intense performances. Whether she's surviving in the wild, battling supernatural forces, or standing toe-to-toe with legendary actors, she consistently brings authenticity and depth to her characters. Watching her career unfold is like witnessing the birth of a new genre icon—someone who could very well be the next scream queen, sci-fi heroine, or dramatic powerhouse.
What's your favorite Sophie Thatcher performance so far? Do you think she's on her way to becoming the next horror icon? Let us know in the comments!
