Director Richard LaGravenese, known for The Fisher King and P.S. I Love You, brings the supernatural romance Beautiful Creaturesto the screen. Based on the bestselling novel by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, the film launches the Caster Chronicles series. Warner Bros. Pictures distributes this adaptation, which mixes magic with a distinctly human drama.
The story unfolds in Gatlin, South Carolina, centering on Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich), a young man desperate to escape his small town, and Lena (Alice Englert), a mysterious newcomer. Together, they uncover dark secrets surrounding their families and local history. It is a tale of love, destiny, and the struggle to define one’s own identity.
The film features an impressive ensemble including Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, and Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons. The cast is rounded out by Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum, Thomas Mann, Emma Thompson, and Zoey Deutch. This mix of veteran talent and rising stars brings the Southern gothic world to life.
Alden Ehrenreich, Emmy Rossum, Thomas Mann, Zoey Deutch, and Richard LaGravenese appeared at New York Comic Con to discuss the project. The authors also attended, expressing their excitement about seeing their work adapted for cinema. The panel debuted a teaser highlighting the film’s blend of drama and special effects.
LaGravenese explained that he did not try to mimic modern teenagers, as that would feel inauthentic. Instead, he treated them as timeless characters who happen to be young. He noted that traits like intelligence and wit never go out of style, making the characters relatable across different cultures.
The director also clarified that the narrative extends beyond the present day. Flashbacks reveal that these families have interacted for centuries, adding weight to the central romance. The team emphasized that despite the magic, this remains a grounded human story.
Alden Ehrenreich, who plays Ethan, prepared by focusing on the setting and his character’s internal life. “I would ask myself who my character was to understand the context of his family and understand their interactions,” he said. He relied on his instincts and worked with a dialect coach to perfect the accent.
Zoey Deutch plays Emily Asher and used physical changes to find her character. She altered her appearance and hair color to distance herself from her own identity. “I’m Jewish and she’s Christian, so I went to different churches and watched many videos to get the accent,” Deutch shared.
Thomas Mann, who plays Link, focused on understanding the cultural background of the South. He wanted to grasp the customs and environment that shaped his character. Since the film avoids modern technology like Twitter, Mann felt the setting was timeless and even incorporated authentic Southern sayings into his lines.
Emmy Rossum took on the role of the provocative Ridley Duchannes. She explored her character’s need for attention and occasional vulnerability. “I had to think how does she walk, strut, the tone of voice she uses when she’s trying to manipulate someone,” Rossum explained.
Rossum enjoyed the freedom to be over-the-top. She experimented with being self-centered and using her sexuality as a weapon. LaGravenese would sometimes have to reel her in, but the exercise allowed for a bold performance.
Watch the official trailer below to see this mysterious love story in action.
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