WARNING! This article contains spoilers for Hacks' season 3 finale!
Summary
Kathryn Newton makes an unexpected cameo inHacksseason 3, with one line from her character creating an acting paradox with her divisive 2024 horror movie. There’s been an incredible lineup ofguest stars and cameos inHacksseason 3, and the finale doesn’t disappoint asrising Scream Queen Kathryn Newton makes a surprise appearance. While Newton’s recent projects have primarily been on the big screen, she makes an exciting meta cameo inHacksthat leaves the door open to reprise her role in the hit comedy show.
When Kayla and Jimmy sit down for a meeting with a prospective client inHacksseason 3, episode 9, theformer Disney star is revealed to be played by Newton. In one of her more hilarious but less likable roles, Newton turns out to be a childhood “friend” of Kayla who was and still is her bully, with Newton’s character Bella consistently referring to Kayla as “Pepperoni Stick” while making fun of her in front of Jimmy. One of the stories that she tells about her childhood with Kayla also includes a reference to aniconic 2000s Disney Channel show, which creates an actor paradox for Newton.
Kathryn Newton’s Cole Sprouse Reference In Hacks Season 3 Creates A Paradox With Lisa Frankenstein
Kathryn Newton seemingly already exists in Hacks' world
As Bella describes the origins of Kayla’s “Pepperoni Stick” nickname, she explains that it occurred when they were at a sleepover watching the Disney Channel seriesThe Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Of course, this show was how Dylan and Cole Sprouse rose to fame as the titular twin characters, with the latter actor eventually going on to star opposite Newton in thecast of 2024’sLisa Frankenstein. Therefore, theidea that Cole Sprouse exists and is mentioned by Newton inHacksseason 3 suggests that Kathryn Newton also existsas a horror actress in the Max show’s reality.
This show was how Dylan and Cole Sprouse rose to fame as the titular twin characters, with the latter actor eventually going on to star opposite Newton in 2024’sLisa Frankenstein.
Comedy shows creating paradoxes with their actors is far from a new concept, especially when it comes to a show likeHacksthat frequently makes references to actors, movies, shows, and figures in Hollywood. However, consideringKathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse’sLisa Frankensteinmovie was released just three months before herHackscameo, the paradox is much more difficult to ignore. Still, withHacksseason 3’s finale including some meta jokes aimed at Newton’s real movie career, the paradox with Cole Sprouse elevates these playful jabs.
Kathryn Newton’s New Horror Movie Repeats A Wild Twist From Her $13 Million Box Office Flop Earlier This Year
Kathryn Newton has had two horror movies released in 2024, and both projects have had the same basic twist involving her character’s fate.
Lisa Frankensteinholds a 51% score from critics and an 81% rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
Kathryn Newton’s Hacks Role Ironically Pokes Fun At Her Horror Movie Career
Newton’s actress character has an ironic movie problem
Kathryn Newton’sHackscharacter also has additional meta elements that tie into her success with horror movies. Bella mentions that she finished a movie about a goat demon, leading Jimmy to believe that it was a scary horror movie. However,Newton mentions that the movie wasn’t supposed to be scary, which is ironic given the actress’s notoriety in horror filmslikeParanormal Activity 4,Freaky,Lisa Frankenstein, andAbigail. With plenty of real-world-related jokes around Kathryn Newton’sHacksseason 3 role, she’ll hopefully make a return that doubles down on these elements in season 4.
Hacks
Cast
Hacks, released in 2021, is a dark comedy series that explores the evolving relationship between Deborah Vance, a legendary comedian in Las Vegas, and an ambitious, outcast young writer. The show delves into the complexities of mentorship and creativity in the entertainment industry.
