Macfadyen and Weisz Cast in Alfredson’s ‘Seance on a Wet Afternoon’

Matthew Macfadyen and Rachel Weisz are set to headline the psychological thriller Seance on a Wet Afternoon, reuniting under the direction of Tomas Alfredson in a project that signals the filmmaker’s return to English-language cinema. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the production is currently underway in the United Kingdom, with the MCU veterans portraying a married couple entangled in a kidnapping scheme designed to validate supposed supernatural abilities. The adaptation comes from Mark McShane’s novel, with Emmy-winning writer Jack Thorne (Adolescence) penning the screenplay.

Marvel Veterans Pivot to Psychological Thriller

Macfadyen, recently seen in Deadpool & Wolverine, and Weisz, who appeared in Black Widow, step away from superhero spectacle to inhabit the characters of Billy and Myra. Their on-screen relationship centers on Myra, a self-proclaimed psychic who devises a dangerous plan to prove her clairvoyant powers are genuine. The narrative follows her convincing her husband to abduct the son of a wealthy family, with the intention of subsequently “locating” the child through her visions and leading authorities to the supposed discovery.

This casting pairs two performers known for prestige television and blockbuster franchises in an intimate, character-driven thriller. Both actors bring significant dramatic weight to the project, with Macfadyen currently also attached to play George Smiley in a new series adaptation—a role Gary Oldman portrayed in Alfredson’s earlier Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Alfredson Seeks Redemption After The Snowman

The project represents a pivotal moment for Swedish director Tomas Alfredson, who has spent years recovering from the critical catastrophe of 2017’s The Snowman. That serial killer thriller posted a disastrous 7% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was publicly disowned by the filmmaker himself, creating significant questions about his future in English-language production.

Prior to that setback, Alfredson established himself as a master of atmospheric tension with 2008’s Let the Right One In and the 2011 adaptation of John le Carré’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The latter earned Oldman an Oscar nomination and stands as one of the most celebrated espionage films of the 21st century. Seance on a Wet Afternoon offers Alfredson the opportunity to reclaim that legacy, working from Thorne’s adaptation with a cast capable of navigating the material’s complex moral landscape.

The Source Material and Adaptation

Thorne’s script adapts McShane’s original novel, transplanting the story’s exploration of deception and desperation into a contemporary framework. The plot hinges on the mechanics of the kidnapping plot and the psychological dynamics between Billy and Myra as they execute the plan to secure ransom money while manufacturing a public validation of Myra’s gifts.

The narrative structure allows for examination of themes including belief, manipulation, and the lengths individuals will pursue to achieve legitimacy. With Alfredson’s visual approach—often characterized by muted palettes and meticulous composition—the story gains additional layers of dread and ambiguity.

Jack Thorne’s Dominance in Adaptation Writing

The screenwriter behind Netflix’s acclaimed Adolescence has emerged as one of the most sought-after adaptation specialists in the industry. Fresh from Emmy wins for Outstanding Writing and Limited Series recognition, Thorne maintains an unprecedented workload across multiple high-profile projects.

His current slate includes:

• Seance on a Wet Afternoon — Currently shooting in the UK with Alfredson directing
• Lord of the Flies — BBC adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel
• Chork — Coming-of-age feature directed by Shane Meadows
• Enola Holmes 3 — Continuation of the Netflix mystery franchise
• The Beatles — A Four-Film Cinematic Event — Ambitious concurrent biopics directed by Sam Mendes, co-written with Jez Butterworth and Peter Straughan

The Beatles project represents Thorne’s most formidable challenge to date. Scheduled for theatrical release in April 2028, the four interconnected films entered production in November 2025. The cast features Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. Recent first-look images generated significant online discussion among fans anticipating Mendes’ interpretation of the Fab Four’s story.

Production Context and Industry Implications

The UK shoot positions Seance on a Wet Afternoon within a robust pipeline of British-produced psychological thrillers targeting international markets. With Macfadyen and Weisz attached, the project carries immediate prestige credentials that should facilitate strong distribution prospects across North America and Europe.

For Alfredson specifically, the film functions as a proving ground. Success here could restore the industry confidence that eroded following The Snowman, potentially reopening doors to studio-backed genre projects that match his demonstrated strengths in controlled, atmospheric storytelling. The presence of Thorne’s screenplay and the established literary source material provides structural safeguards that were reportedly lacking in his previous English-language undertaking.

What’s After the Movie?

As Seance on a Wet Afternoon moves through production, audiences anticipating this psychological thriller can explore comprehensive coverage of upcoming releases and industry developments at What’s After the Movie. The platform offers detailed movie information, box office analysis, and spoiler-free summaries to help viewers track projects from announcement through theatrical release. For the latest updates on casting confirmations and production milestones across Alfredson’s filmography and Thorne’s expanding slate, visit the industry news section for curated reporting on significant industry moves.