Anne Hathaway’s Latest Movie Reminds Her of This ‘80s Horror Film

The Oscar winner says one classic 1980s horror flick shaped her decision to sign on, and director David Robert Mitchell confirms that was exactly the point.

Anne Hathaway is opening up about what drew her to her latest hit film, "The End of Oak Street." The actress, 43, revealed that the script stood out to her because it echoed one of her favorite movies from childhood.

Anne Hathaway attends "The Odyssey" New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on July 14, 2026 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In new footage shared by Warner Bros. with People, Hathaway says she immediately thought of 1982's "Poltergeist" when she first read the screenplay, penned and directed by David Robert Mitchell.

"Reading it, it reminded me of one of my favorite movies from when I was a kid — which I probably shouldn't have watched when I was a kid, but still, it was great — which was 'Poltergeist'," the "Princess Diaries" alum said.

She continued, "And when I connected with David I mentioned that as a reference and he said 'That's what I was going for.' I just said 'Well, I don't know what's going to happen next, but please sign me up. I want to be in this world.'"

Hathaway stars alongside Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella and Christian Convery in "The End of Oak Street."

Together, they portray a family of four navigating 1980s suburban Michigan, where their entire neighborhood is suddenly thrust into prehistoric times — unleashing dinosaurs and other dangerous creatures onto the streets of 20th century America.

"As much as the dinosaur action is incredible and insane, if you don't have a believable family at the heart of it that you cared about, it wouldn't matter so much," McGregor, 55, added in the clip.

Maisy Stella, Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor and Christian Convery attend the World Premiere of Warner Bros.' "The End of Oak Street" at Warner Bros. Studios on August 9, 2026 in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

"The End of Oak Street" has performed well at the box office and made its digital streaming debut on Tuesday, September 15. Fans eager to own a copy won't have to wait long, either — the film arrives on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD early next month.

According to Mitchell, 51, the production moved quickly once the script was finished. The writer-director notes in the behind-the-scenes clip that Hathaway was brought on to lead the movie just a couple of months after he wrapped up writing.

(L-R) Hannah Minghella, Head of Feature Animation, Netflix, Pamela Abdy, Co-Chair & CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Michael De Luca, Co-Chair & CEO, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Maisy Stella, Anne Hathaway, David Robert Mitchell, Ewan McGregor, Christian Convery, Matt Jackson, J. J. Abrams, and Tommy Harper attend "The End Of Oak Street" Premiere/Block Party at Warner Bros. Studios on August 9, 2026 in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

"Anne Hathaway was the first person to join the project, actually very early on, before we'd even set up the movie with Warner Bros," producer Hannah Minghella added. "She came on really early and saw, I think, the vision for the film that we all saw."

During the film's world premiere last month, Hathaway opened up further, sharing that one crucial lesson she took away from working on "The End of Oak Street" centers on maintaining the right mindset under pressure.

"You know, in hindsight, I was thinking about what's the most important survival skill that you can have, and I think it's a sense of humor," Hathaway said.

"If you can do cool things, and you know how a Swiss Army knife works, that's definitely going to be helpful. You can build a fire, that's awesome," she added. "But the thing that's really going to get you through is being able to laugh, I think."

McGregor, on the other hand, takes a more practical stance on staying alive. "Always have a sledgehammer at the ready," he said. "It's always important. I keep one under my bed now, just in case. Yeah, a sledgehammer is very useful."

Still, once he heard Hathaway's more lighthearted response, McGregor couldn't help but agree. "'A sense of humor' is a much better answer," he added.