Meet the Cast of Thanksgiving showcases how Eli Roth’s vision came to life through an extraordinary ensemble of actors. What began as a mock trailer evolved into 2023’s most compelling horror film, captivating audiences with its stellar performances.
The Cast of Thanksgiving brings together Hollywood veterans and emerging talents, creating perfect chemistry on screen. From Patrick Dempsey’s commanding presence to newcomer Addison Rae’s impressive debut, each actor delivers unforgettable performances that elevate the film.
Nell Verlaque as the Protagonist, Jessica Wright
Nell Verlaque delivers a breakthrough performance as Jessica Wright in Thanksgiving, establishing herself as a rising star in the horror genre. As the daughter of a RightMart store owner, Jessica’s character forms the emotional core of the story. Her involvement in the tragic Black Friday riot sets the stage for the film’s terrifying events.
Verlaque brings a perfect balance of vulnerability and strength to her role, making Jessica’s journey from guilt-ridden survivor to determined fighter truly compelling. Her previous experience in shows like Big Shots (2021) helped her portray the complex emotions required for this challenging role in Thanksgiving.
Tomaso Sanelli as Evan
Canadian actor Tomaso Sanelli takes on the role of Evan, a character whose actions significantly impact the film’s events. Known for his role as young Dick Grayson in Titans, Sanelli brings a fresh energy to the Thanksgiving cast. His portrayal of the impulsive jock who contributes to the Black Friday disaster adds another layer of complexity to the story.
Sanelli’s character arc throughout Thanksgiving showcases his range as an actor, particularly in the intense scenes following the riot. His chemistry with other cast members helps create the authentic teenage dynamics that make the horror elements even more impactful.
Gabriel Davenport as Scuba
Toronto native Gabriel Davenport brings depth to the character of Scuba, drawing from his experience in various Netflix and ABC productions. In Thanksgiving, Scuba becomes one of the killer’s primary targets, creating some of the film’s most intense moments. Davenport’s portrayal effectively conveys both fear and determination as his character fights for survival.
The actor’s performance adds to the mounting tension throughout Thanksgiving, particularly in scenes where Scuba must confront the consequences of the Black Friday riot. His character’s relationship with other cast members creates compelling dynamics that drive the story forward.
Jenna Warren as Yulia
Jenna Warren steps away from her voice acting background to deliver a memorable performance as Yulia in Thanksgiving. As Scuba’s girlfriend, Warren’s character becomes entangled in the horrifying aftermath of the Black Friday incident. Her portrayal brings authenticity to the group dynamic among the young cast members.
The Thanksgiving cast benefits from Warren’s ability to convey genuine emotion in the film’s most terrifying moments. Her character’s involvement in the riot and subsequent events adds another layer to the complex web of relationships that define the story.
Addison Rae as Gabby
Social media phenomenon Addison Rae makes her mark in Thanksgiving as Gabby, Jessica’s best friend. Her transition from TikTok star to actor proves successful as she brings authenticity to her role. Gabby’s character becomes crucial to the plot as another victim of the Black Friday chaos that sets the stage for the killer’s revenge.
Key aspects of Rae’s performance:
- Natural chemistry with cast members
- Convincing portrayal of fear and friendship
- Effective delivery in crucial emotional scenes
- Strong screen presence in ensemble moments
- Successful handling of both horror and dramatic elements
Supporting Cast and Characters
The Thanksgiving cast features several veteran actors who add gravitas to the production. Patrick Dempsey delivers a compelling performance as Sheriff Eric Newlan, bringing his years of experience to the role of the determined investigator. Rick Hoffman and Karen Cliche portray Jessica’s parents with nuanced performances that highlight the family dynamics at play.
Other notable supporting cast members include:
- Milo Manheim as Ryan
- Ty Olsson as Mitch Collins
- Gina Gershon as Amanda Collins
- Jalen Thomas Brooks as Bobby
These experienced actors provide a solid foundation for the younger cast members, creating a believable world where the horror unfolds. Their performances in Thanksgiving help ground the more fantastic elements of the plot in reality.
Frequently Asked Question
Who plays the main character in Thanksgiving?
Nell Verlaque plays Jessica Wright, the central character whose story drives the film’s narrative.
Is Addison Rae’s performance in Thanksgiving her first acting role?
No, though Thanksgiving represents one of her most significant acting roles to date, following her social media fame.
How many cast membersa re in Thanksgiving?
The main Thanksgiving cast consists of approximately 12 principal actors, with several supporting roles rounding out the ensemble.
What previous experience does Patrick Dempsey bring to the cast?
Dempsey brings years of experience from Grey’s Anatomy and various films, adding credibility to his role as Sheriff Newlan.
Are any of the Thanksgiving cast members new to horror films?
Yes, several cast members, including Addison Rae and Nell Verlaque, made their horror genre debuts in this film.
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving cast demonstrates the power of combining experienced actors with fresh talent in horror cinema. From Nell Verlaque’s commanding lead performance to Addison Rae’s impressive dramatic turn, each cast member contributes to the film’s success. The ensemble’s chemistry and individual performances help elevate Thanksgiving beyond typical horror fare.
The success of Thanksgiving owes much to its carefully selected cast, whose performances bring depth and authenticity to this modern horror classic. Their collective effort ensures that the film will remain a significant entry in the genre for years to come.
