Renowned actor Patrick Dempsey, honored as People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2023, steps into the shoes of Sheriff Newlon in Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving, a gripping holiday horror film. In this slasher movie, Dempsey’s character faces the daunting task of investigating a series of gruesome deaths that unfold like a sinister Thanksgiving feast in his town.
Dempsey was drawn to the project for two compelling reasons: his son’s desire for him to star in a horror film and his personal aspiration to don a law enforcement uniform.
Set in Plymouth, Massachusetts—the birthplace of Thanksgiving—the movie follows a mysterious killer with a Thanksgiving-themed agenda, targeting residents in a small town. What initially appears to be random revenge killings soon unveils a more sinister and elaborate holiday plan. Dempsey shares the screen with a talented young cast portraying local high schoolers, including Nell Verlaque, Milo Manheim, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Tomaso Sanelli, Gabriel Davenport, Jenna Warren, and TikTok star Addison Rae.
Reflecting on his experience, Dempsey notes the shift in his career from heartthrob roles in teen movies like Can’t Buy Me Love and Loverboy to a different phase. Having witnessed the blossoming camaraderie among his younger castmates, he acknowledges the chemistry they bring to the film, contributing to its fun and authentic atmosphere.
Check out the cast in action in the “Crazy Good Chemistry!” featurette: Watch Here
The cast members express their admiration for Dempsey, describing him as a class act and the ideal leader for the film. Verlaque praises him as a consummate professional, while Manheim, who stars in another holiday film, Journey to Bethlehem, lauds Dempsey as their fearless leader.
Warren, who plays Yulia, humorously recounts a behind-the-scenes moment where Dempsey, in a clown costume, playfully startled her twice on the first day of filming. Despite the initial shock, the incident added a memorable touch to her experience on set.
For Dempsey, returning to the horror genre after an extended hiatus has been a genuinely enjoyable experience. Thanksgiving, featuring Patrick Dempsey, promises to deliver chills and thrills when it hits cinemas on November 22, marking the emergence of a new horror legend this November.
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