What do sandy beaches, family feuds, and friendly surf clubs have in common with haunted halls, cursed pasts, and ghostly secrets? Not much — unless you’re part of The Southport Haunting, the upcoming Hollywood horror film that brings several Home & Away stars into chilling new territory alongside scream queen Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Best known for I Know What You Did Last Summer and Ghost Whisperer, Hewitt returns to the genre that made her famous — this time joined by rising Aussie actors Sophie Dillman, Matt Evans, and Sam Frost, all former regulars from Australia’s beloved soap.
From Soap to Scream
Directed by genre newcomer Lena Maxwell, The Southport Haunting follows Claire Winters (Hewitt), a mother escaping her troubled past, who inherits an eerie seaside inn in Southport, England. But the dilapidated property holds secrets darker than she imagined — and the haunting that follows threatens to destroy her sanity and those around her.
Dillman plays Emily Raine, a local folklorist with psychic sensitivity and a tragic backstory, while Evans appears as Caleb, a brooding caretaker whose connection to the town’s history runs deeper than he admits. Frost takes on the film’s most unsettling role as Lucy, a ghostly woman caught between worlds — and vengeance.
The transition from sunny Summer Bay to gothic suspense wasn’t lost on the cast.
“We were used to emotional scenes and big storylines, but nothing like this,” said Dillman. “One minute you’re doing beach romances, and the next you’re being hurled across a haunted hallway by a poltergeist!”
A Genre Queen Returns
For Jennifer Love Hewitt, the role marks a return to the horror screen after more than a decade.
“When I read the script, I knew it had real potential,” she said. “It’s more than jump scares — it’s atmospheric, emotional, and surprisingly human. Working with the Aussie cast brought such authenticity. They’re not afraid to go all in.”
That authenticity, according to director Lena Maxwell, is exactly what gave the film its edge. “Australian actors bring a groundedness to even the most supernatural roles. There’s grit, there’s vulnerability. That’s what we needed for Southport — and they delivered.”
Aussie Invasion
All three actors earned fan followings during their time on Home & Away — Dillman as mechanic Ziggy, Evans as rising musician Theo, and Frost as nurse Jasmine. Their move into horror is just the latest chapter in a long tradition of soap stars making it big abroad — joining the ranks of Home & Away alumni like Chris Hemsworth, Isla Fisher, and Samara Weaving.
“This role was terrifying — literally,” joked Evans. “But soap work trains you fast. You’re shooting big scenes daily, always reacting on your feet. Horror uses the same skills, just dialed up to 100.”
The producers reportedly sought Home & Away talent after noticing the show’s growing global streaming audience. “These actors are recognisable in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand — they bring built-in fan bases,” said one insider. “Plus, they can really act.”
Early Buzz Builds
Though the film is still under wraps, insiders say The Southport Haunting has already caught the attention of major festivals. A limited screening for distributors reportedly left executives “rattled and impressed.” A premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival is strongly rumored, with whispers of international distribution deals in progress.
Critics lucky enough to attend the test screening praised the film’s blend of modern gothic horror and emotional storytelling, comparing it to hits like The Others and The Babadook.
“This isn’t just a ghost story,” said one attendee. “It’s a meditation on grief, trauma, and the way the past never really dies.”
What’s Next?
If the buzz holds, The Southport Haunting could be the start of a major franchise — and the international breakout role these former soap stars have been waiting for. For fans of Home & Away, it’s a thrilling change of pace. For the cast, it’s a chance to prove they can do more than play out love triangles in beachfront diners.
As Southport’s shadows deepen and the scream count rises, one thing’s clear: these Aussie actors have left Summer Bay far behind — and there’s no looking back.
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