On March 10, 2026, Joe Alwyn secured a significant new role acting alongside Rachel Weisz in the upcoming film Seance on a Wet Afternoon. This project marks a notable moment in Joe Alwyn’s career, representing his latest work in a film currently being shot in the United Kingdom.
Details of the Film and Cast
The 35-year-old British actor joins Rachel Weisz and Matthew Macfadyen in the cast of this new adaptation, scripted by Jack Thorne, known for his work on Adolescence. The story centers on a self-proclaimed psychic who persuades her husband to kidnap a wealthy family’s child so she can convince the police of her supernatural abilities by leading them to the missing boy.
This remake arrives more than six decades after the original 1964 film version, which was based on Mark McShane’s novel and featured Kim Stanley and Lord Richard Attenborough. The first adaptation earned critical acclaim, including two Oscar nominations for Stanley.
At this stage, specific details regarding the character Joe Alwyn will portray have not been disclosed.
Joe Alwyn’s Selection Process for Roles
Joe Alwyn has expressed that his approach to choosing film roles is guided more by the creative team than by commercial franchises. Speaking with IndieWire at the Cannes Film Festival, he said that his decisions are driven by the opportunity to collaborate with people he admires rather than focusing on big-budget productions.
“I think anything could be brilliant. It’s just about the group of people that make it … There’s not a ton of rhyme or reason in terms of what I’m going after. I’m just trying to find interesting people to work with.” – Joe Alwyn, actor
This mindset has led him to work on projects that emphasize unique artistic vision, even in smaller parts. His role in the 2024 film Kinds of Kindness, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, exemplifies this philosophy.
“It’s fun to spend time with him and be a part of someone who’s so wildly creative and so singular in what he does in the films he makes. They’re not so cookie-cutter shape. That excites me.” – Joe Alwyn, actor
Collaboration with Director Yorgos Lanthimos
Joe Alwyn’s collaborations with Yorgos Lanthimos include the acclaimed 2018 film The Favourite and recent projects such as Kinds of Kindness. He values the playful and experimental environment that Lanthimos fosters on set, which allows actors to explore creativity freely.
Reflecting on his experience with Lanthimos, Alwyn remarked that the director’s style brings back the joy of acting, counteracting pressures and anxiety often associated with the entertainment industry.
“But (with) Yorgos, you just feel like you’re getting into a sandpit. It’s just fun.” – Joe Alwyn, actor
Implications for Joe Alwyn’s Career
With his new role alongside Rachel Weisz in Seance on a Wet Afternoon, Joe Alwyn continues to build a diverse body of work defined by artistic collaboration rather than commercial franchise association. This project not only revisits a classic story but also positions Alwyn alongside esteemed actors and creative talents, potentially broadening his professional reach and audience appeal.
The film’s production in the UK and involvement of experienced actors and writers such as Matthew Macfadyen and Jack Thorne suggest a serious and thoughtful approach that could lead to critical recognition. As the movie moves forward, audiences and industry observers will watch closely how this adaptation compares to its Oscar-nominated predecessor and how it further shapes Joe Alwyn’s career trajectory.
