The Scream Queen Myth: How Kathryn Newton’s Rise Challenges Hollywood’s Labels

Kathryn Newton has been a fixture in the horror genre since her early teens, starring in seven films including Paranormal Activity 4 and Ready or Not. Her latest role in Amazon Prime Video’s The Devil’s Mouth, a shark-infused survival thriller, marks another notch in her impressive resume. But does Newton fit into the tired label of “scream queen”? She herself is unsure, preferring to be called an empress – and for good reason.

Newton’s horror filmography spans multiple genres, from psychological thrillers like Freaky to action-packed blockbusters like Ready or Not. Her versatility extends beyond acting as well; she’s a skilled athlete and golfer with a background in swimming and snorkeling that served her well during the physically demanding shoot of The Devil’s Mouth. “I wanted to test myself and see where I’m really at, physically,” Newton says of her decision to take on the role.

The Devil’s Mouth is not just about survival; it’s also a commentary on leadership and decision-making. Newton’s character, Sara, is part of a college friend group that ventures into an underwater cave system in Thailand, only to find themselves facing unimaginable danger. As Newton notes, “It’s about the danger of not being able to take direction…it’s essential to understand when to lead and when to be led.” This theme is particularly relevant given Newton’s own experiences as a young actress navigating the complexities of Hollywood.

Newton’s rise to prominence has been marked by her willingness to take on challenging roles, often without hesitation. Her experience with Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame was a highlight for her, where she played Cassie Lang, daughter of Scott Lang/Ant-Man. Newton credits the directors with empowering her and giving her more creative control than she’s ever had before.

The term “scream queen” has been bandied about in Hollywood for decades, often attached to actresses who have made a name for themselves in horror movies. However, Newton’s case challenges this label; she’s an actress who refuses to be pigeonholed. Her versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles make her more than just a “scream queen” – she’s a talented young actress with a bright future ahead of her.

One aspect that sets Newton apart from other actresses is her physical prowess. As an athlete and golfer, she brings a level of intensity to her performances that’s hard to match. Her experience shooting The Devil’s Mouth was intense, both physically and emotionally; Newton recounts moments when the camera crew struggled to keep up with her acrobatic stunts in the underwater cave system.

Newton’s rise is not just about individual success – it’s also a reflection of changing attitudes towards women in Hollywood. Her willingness to take on challenging roles and defy expectations has paved the way for other young actresses to follow suit. As Newton notes, “I think I can do anything now” – a sentiment that echoes throughout her conversation with THR.

With The Devil’s Mouth marking another notch in her impressive resume, what’s next for Kathryn Newton? Will she continue to defy expectations and push the boundaries of what’s possible on screen? One thing is certain: this talented young actress will not be defined by tired labels or genre-specific roles. She’s an empress – and her reign has only just begun.

As Newton wraps up her conversation with THR, it becomes clear that there’s more to her story than meets the eye. Her journey from being typecast as a “scream queen” to becoming a Hollywood A-lister is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and refusal to be pigeonholed. With The Devil’s Mouth marking another milestone in her career, Newton’s future looks bright – and it will be interesting to see what she does next.