While The End of Oak Street includes one incredible scene that keeps the audience engaged, it’s the story of the family at the center of the film that makes it so memorable. The plot revolves around the Platt family, who find themselves in an unimaginable situation when mysterious forces uproot their suburban street and relocate it. As they try to come to terms with their new reality, unaware of what caused it, the family must stay strong for each other.
Writer-director David Robert Mitchell talks about managing the cast Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor are an incredible family for the roles, and are building a family audience that will be able to connect with and love them, as he and his wife did, with their children and their dog, Starbuck.
Anne Hathaway takes The End of Oak Street to another level
Anne Hathaway plays Denise Platt, a mother who faces fear, danger, and an increasingly unpredictable world. David already had great confidence in Hathaway’s abilities, but seeing her play the film’s more intense scenes gave him a whole new appreciation for what she could bring to the role.
David exclusively told HT, “Anne is just an amazing actress; I knew she would be incredible if we were lucky enough to have her. And it was one thing when we were doing dramatic moments within the family story, but when we started to see the mystery and the danger and the fear, she took it to another level; we all felt it, everyone was watching. It was phenomenal to see her perform like that. It was something I hadn’t seen her do, and it was really exciting. I can’t wait. For the audience to see him play a role like this, it’s believable in terms of the strength, the fear, the pain and all that.
Ewan McGregor brings warmth to the Platt family
Ewan McGregor plays Greg Platt, Denise’s husband and father of the family. Mitchell was particularly excited about McGregor’s involvement in the film, believing that his natural warmth and charm would bring another important layer to Greg.
David continued, “I was thrilled when Evan agreed to play Greg. He brings a depth, a charm, a genuine love to this guy who is struggling about certain elements of his life. Evan portrayed it, and it’s really wonderful, and he’s this really caring husband, this father too… He has a really lovely, wonderful quality that really allows you to enter the family, and you really connect with them.” And take care of them. I was so happy when I realized that Anne and Evan would be both husband and wife and the dynamic they have, the different shades of their personalities, was wonderful.”
The second star of the family, Starbuck
Platts is joined by his much-loved dog Starbuck, who has become a part of the family’s travels. David acknowledged that working with animals can come with its challenges, but Starbuck was played by two dogs in the film, both of whom had the support of an experienced trainer.
“Working with animals is always challenging, but our Starbucks – or Starbucks, actually, there were two – I loved what they did. It was really cool to have them on the set, and some of the scenes, for example, Christian, who plays Brian, interacting with his dog, are really beautiful. And we had a very talented trainer for these really talented dogs, which was great,” David said.
What to Expect from the End of Oak Street
The End of Oak Street stars Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor in this family drama, which also stars Maisie Stella and Christian Convery. It is written and directed by David Robert Mitchell and produced by JJ Abrams, Hannah Minghella, John Cohen, David Robert Mitchell, Matt Jackson and Tommy Harper. Chris Bender, Jake Weiner, Joan Lee and Leanne Stonebraker serve as executive producers.
This movie has it all, including dinosaurs, mystery, and spectacular special effects, but it’s the focus on the Platt family and their tribulations that makes The End of Oak Street so lovable. Since they find themselves in a most unusual situation, their survival depends on working together as a family unit.
The End of Oak Street will be released in theaters on August 14, 2026 in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The film will be screened in IMAX.