Forget a relaxing bath after work—the cast of the new shark thriller Thrash couldn't stand the sight of water by the end of their grueling shoot. In a revealing new interview, stars Phoebe Dynevor, Whitney Peak, and Djimon Hounsou opened up about the brutal conditions of filming the Netflix disaster movie, while also teasing their upcoming blockbuster projects.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola (Violent Night), Thrash strands its characters in a coastal town ravaged by a Category 5 hurricane and, of course, hungry sharks. The physical toll was immense. "Our fingers... I didn't know it was possible to have fingers that raisined," Dynevor recalled. Peak admitted to showering in her trailer immediately after filming just to escape the feeling of being wet. For Dynevor, who performs a harrowing childbirth scene amidst the chaos, the environmental conditions provided all the motivation she needed. "We really were freezing, and we were getting hit with wind machines and rain machines," she said. "I didn't feel like that required much acting."
While his co-stars battled the elements, Djimon Hounsou had a comparatively easier time. "I was quite comfortable working on this film," he laughed, noting his character spent most of the time safely on an inflatable boat. He called the production a "cakewalk" compared to some of his other physically demanding roles.
Peak on Entering the Arena of 'Sunrise on the Reaping'
The conversation then turned to the future, with Whitney Peak offering a tantalizing glimpse behind the scenes of one of the most anticipated films of the year: The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Peak joins the franchise as Lenore Dove Baird, stepping into the massive world built by director Francis Lawrence.
Peak, who joined the production two months into filming, praised Lawrence's directorial style and revealed a unique aspect of his process. "He is somebody who really uses music to guide the narrative of the story, or just the vibe of the day," she shared. "He'd always be listening to whatever song." This technique helped her navigate the intimidating scale of the production, making her three-week shoot feel welcoming and focused. The film's ensemble cast also includes Joseph Zada, McKenna Grace, Elle Fanning, and returning stars Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence.
For fans eager to revisit Panem, mark your calendars: Hulu's April 2026 Binge: The Complete 'Hunger Games' Dystopian Saga Lands April 14.
Hounsou Teases 'Stunning' Highlander Reboot
Not to be outdone, Djimon Hounsou offered some details about his role in Chad Stahelski's reboot of Highlander. He plays the immortal warrior Sunda Kastagir and confirmed he shares the screen—and likely some blows—with Dave Bautista. While he joked that he was "surprised" he didn't have more action given Stahelski's reputation (the director behind the John Wick series), Hounsou was blown away by the production design. "It's going to be a stunning-looking film," he teased, calling the sets "eclectic" and "impressive."
The full interview delves deeper into Dynevor's research for her intense childbirth scene and how Hounsou compares Thrash to his other action-packed filmography. It's a compelling look at the demanding reality behind Hollywood's biggest spectacles, from waterlogged horror to dystopian drama. For more stories about intricate narratives and directorial vision, explore our feature on Mind Games: The Essential Psychological Thrillers That Built the Genre.
One thing is clear: whether facing down sharks or entering the Hunger Games arena, these actors are fully committed to bringing high-stakes stories to life, no matter how cold, wet, or daunting the challenge may be.
