Drew Barrymore Was Initially ‘Shocked’ No One Said Yes to Donnie Darko Before It Landed Slate of Big-Name Actors (Exclusive)

Drew Barrymore Was Initially ‘Shocked’ No One Said Yes to Donnie Darko Before It Landed Slate of Big-Name Actors (Exclusive)

Barrymore signed onto to do Donnie Darko in between takes for Charlie’s Angels

By Meredith Wilshere

Published on October 2, 2026 04:00PM EDT

Drew Barrymore was shocked that no one initially said yes to Donnie Darko. When speaking with PEOPLE about the 25th anniversary of the film, the actress shares what it was like when she got the script.

“When I read the script, I was shocked that no one had said yes yet to the writer actually directing it, and to me it was vital to have that full vision come through,” Barrymore shares.

When reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the film, Barrymore says, “If it wasn’t for my partner Nancy Juvonen finding the script, well then I wouldn’t be having this discussion.”

Barrymore shares that she “loved seeing Noah Wyle, Patrick Swayze and Katharine Ross together.”

…

“It was the actors that helped get me through that, because they knew that I had written the words. They knew that the script was so deeply autobiographical and based on my childhood and growing up in Virginia and family and friends and teachers … That I was replicating a dream in the suburbs of Los Angeles,” he continues. “They knew that I had it inside me, so they were able to help me through it. I have to thank the actors to this day, and that’s why I’m just so committed to trying to bring them all back together 25 years later. It’s all about these wonderful actors.”

Fathom Entertainment and Saga Arts is bringing Donnie Darko back to the big screen nationwide in celebration of the film’s 25th anniversary beginning on “Donnie Darko Day” from October 2-4, 2026.

Tickets for Donnie Darko 25th Anniversary 4K restoration are available now online and at participating theatre box offices.