WOMEN WE LOVE: Kathryn Newton

Kathryn Newton is a rising star with an already impressive filmography at the age of 27. Most recently, she starred alongside Cole Sprouse in the horror-comedy movie, Lisa Frankenstein, which is currently in theaters and available on VOD/Digital. To celebrate her new movie and past accomplishments, we want to take a look back on her roles throughout the years!

1. "Gary Unmarried" (2008-2010)

This CBS sitcom was Newton’s first main role, playing the titular character’s daughter. The show follows Gary Brooks as he navigates life, dating, and parenting following his divorce. Newton’s character is the stereotypical smart and sassy sitcom daughter. She brought life to the role, and she received acclaim for the role in 2010 when she won the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series - Supporting Young Actress. Available on VOD/Digital.

2. Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)

Lisa Frankenstein isn’t Newton’s first film within the horror genre. In 2012, she joined the Paranormal Activity film franchise, playing Alex Nelson, who sets up cameras around her house to capture the strange events that occur after the arrival of new neighbors. The film is shot a the found footage format and depicts the family as they deal with chilling, violent, demonic possession. Newton’s performance was stunning and led to her winning the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actress in 2013. Stream on Max.

3. "Supernatural" (2005-2020)

Newton had a recurring role in the longrunning, action-packed, dark fantasy show "Supernatural", where she portrayed Claire Novak, daughter of angel Castiel’s vessel. She made 6 appearances across seasons 10-13 of the show. Claire is a complex character who has been deeply impacted by the actions of the main characters. She is ambitious, independent, and determined to carve her own path. Like the main characters, she becomes a hunter and finds family in the hunter community. Newton brought powerful emotion and bits of humor to her character’s dark circumstances. Stream on Netflix.

4. "Big Little Lies" (2017-2019)

Newton portrays the daughter of Reese Witherspoon’s character in this dark dramedy series. "Big Little Lies" is based on the 2014 novel of the same name and follows 5 women in Monterey, California, who find themselves involved in a murder investigation. The series features an all-star cast of Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz, and Shailene Woodley. Newton holds her own and gives an excellent performance alongside these big names. In November 2023, Nicole Kidman stated that there will be a third season of the series, so hopefully we’ll see Newton make a return in the not-so-distant future. Stream on Max.

5. "Little Women" (2017)

Newton portrayed Amy March in the 2017 BBC miniseries adaptation of the iconic Little Women. The story comes from a classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott that has been adapted into a variety of films and series. The story follows four sisters growing up during the American Civil War who all have unique personalities, and the story details their journey from girlhood to womanhood. It is a widely beloved story, and this adaptation is faithful to the novel. Newton brought her talents to the most controversial March sister, and it paid off wonderfully on screen. Stream on Prime Video, Tubi, and PLEX.

6. Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)

The Pokémon franchise is massively popular and well-beloved. Newton herself was a big fan, and she was enthusiastic about the role. We can in part thank her "Big Little Lies" co-star Reese Witherspoon for Newton’s involvement in the movie. Newton was offered the role, but her schedule was set to overlap with the filming of "Big Little Lies" Season 2. Witherspoon put in a call, and she made sure that Newton could appear in both. That act of kindness helped bring us Newton as Pokémon trainer and aspiring journalist, Lucy Stevens. Her character accompanies Tim Goodman, played by Justice Smith, and Pikachu, voiced by Ryan Reynolds. The group goes on a comical and fantastical journey to solve a mystery. Stream on Prime Video.

7. "The Society" (2019)

"The Society" is a captivating drama series reminiscent of the 1954 novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The series features a group of New England teenagers who find themselves in a version of their town without adults or contact beyond the town. Newton portrays Allie Pressman, who formerly struggled in her sister’s shadow but became a leader in the town following the unusual circumstances. The mysterious series was initially renewed for a second season, but it was ultimately canceled as a result of COVID-19. Regardless, Newton gave a brilliant performance in this series. Stream on Netflix.

8. Freaky (2020)

As we’ve established, Newton is a phenomenal horror actress. In 2020, she starred in the body-swap slasher comedy Freaky, a twist on the classic Freaky Friday where Newton portrays a teenage girl who switches bodies with a serial killer, played by Vince Vaughn. Due to the nature of the body-swap, it’s really Newton who portrays the serial killer for the majority of the movie. Newton delivers a masterful performance in this violent and cunning role. The film employs a variety of well-established tropes, but is still funny and fresh. Stream on Peacock.

9. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

That’s right, she’s a Marvel actress too! If we’re keeping track, she’s found success in the genres of sitcom, drama, horror, mystery comedy, and now superhero fantasy as well. Newton portrays the grown-up version of Ant-Man’s daughter, Cassie Lang, and played a prominent role alongside her on-screen dad, Paul Rudd. This movie is an exciting look into the quantum realm and a continuation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s multiverse. We’re likely to see more of Newton in this action packed role as the MCU has been working to establish the next generation of superheroes following the major character wrap up in Avengers: Endgame (2019); in fact, she is likely to team up with other new, young female superheroes like Ms. Marvel and Kate Bishop since she was mentioned in the recent film The Marvels. Stream on Disney+.

10. Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

Lisa Frankenstein is a horror comedy from writer Diablo Cody, known for Juno (2007) and Jennifer’s Body (2009), and director Zelda Williams (daughter of the late Robin Williams). Kathryn Newton stars as the film’s protagonist, Lisa Swallows, an '80s goth teenager who has a dark and humorous romance with a reanimated Victorian corpse portrayed by Cole Sprouse. The two embark on a journey of love and murder as they navigate teenage life and the acquisition of body parts. If you’re a fan of Jennifer’s Body, you’ll love to know that the two movies are set in the same universe. Newton’s talent and established history with horror allow her to fit effortlessly into this role. 

Kathryn Newton is a talented young actress who has already accomplished great things in her career. She is set to star in another horror film, Abigail, which will be released on April 19, 2024. We have been thrilled to follow her career so far, and we know she’s only going to continue to impress us.