This Dark Fantasy Film Starring Squid Game’s Recent Celebrity Cameo, 56, Rises on HBO Charts

This Dark Fantasy Movie Featuring ‘Squid Game’s Latest Celebrity Cameo, 56, Has Found Success on the HBO Charts

Editor’s Note: This story contains spoilers for ‘Squid Game’ Season 3

A new wave of attention has landed on the dark fantasy film The House with a Clock in Its Walls, following the high-profile appearance of Cate Blanchett as a recruiter in the season 3 finale of Squid Game. While Blanchett is currently making headlines thanks to her dramatic cameo in the Netflix mega-hit, her role in this 2018 fantasy movie is also drawing fresh interest from audiences and streaming platforms alike.

Reappraisal on HBO Max

The House with a Clock in Its Walls, based on the 1973 novel by John Bellairs, quickly climbed back onto the streaming charts this summer. According to FlixPatrol, the movie soared to ninth place on HBO Max’s global Top Movies list as of July 1, 2025. It was sandwiched between action franchises like Fast X and new releases such as Turn Me On, proving the enduring relevance of its spooky, family-friendly appeal. Notably, How to Train Your Dragon 2 trailed not far behind on the same chart, reflecting increased interest in fantasy fare this season.

A Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team

The film stars Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, and Owen Vaccaro, with direction by Eli Roth, better known for his gritty, genre-bending works. Roth has spoken in past interviews about the unique chemistry between Black and Blanchett, which brought even more depth to Bellairs’ beloved characters. Their on-screen dynamic, described by Roth as “electric,” helped the adaptation resonate with both fans of the book and newcomers to the story. Blanchett’s performance stands out once again, showcasing her range as she transitions seamlessly from Netflix stardom to dark fantasy enchantress. Read Eli Roth’s reflections on directing the duo in his in-depth Collider interview.

Box Office & Critical Reception

When first released in 2018, The House with a Clock in Its Walls enjoyed respectable box office success, earning $131 million worldwide. Critically, it found middling support: Rotten Tomatoes shows a 65% critics’ approval and a 45% audience score. However, early reviews from outlets like Collider praised the movie as a strong, kid-friendly introduction to horror with impressive production design and plenty of family appeal. While some viewers wanted more from the narrative, consensus held that it was a solid option for younger genre fans, combining spooky thrills with whimsy and heart. Find current ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and Collider’s review roundup.

Rekindling a Creative Partnership

2024 saw Blanchett, Black, and director Eli Roth reunite for Borderlands, an action-comedy based on the Gearbox Software video game. The movie featured an all-star cast, including Kevin Hart, Edgar Ramírez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, and Jamie Lee Curtis. However, despite the pedigree, Borderlands flopped at the box office, pulling in only $33 million and facing harsh criticism—with a mere 10% critics’ score and 45% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s poor reception even earned it five Razzie Awards nominations, cementing its reputation as one of 2024’s most disappointing releases. Dive deeper into the downfall of Borderlands in Collider’s coverage of the worst films of 2024.

Streaming Success Amid Renewed Interest

The enduring impact of Squid Game—Netflix’s most-watched series ever—continues to boost the profiles of its stars beyond Korean drama. As the global streaming audience hunts for more projects featuring familiar faces, The House with a Clock in Its Walls stands as a testament to Cate Blanchett’s versatility and the lasting allure of well-made dark fantasy. Fans curious to see another side of Blanchett outside of her latest role can now catch the film streaming on HBO Max, where it is currently trending among both new and returning viewers.

Explore The House with a Clock in Its Walls on HBO Max, see Box Office figures, and check out the Collider interview with Eli Roth for more behind-the-scenes insights.

Follow ongoing social media buzz and related reactions about Blanchett’s cameo, Squid Game season 3, and the movie’s streaming resurgence via the official Squid Game Instagram and trending #TheHouseWithAClockInItsWalls posts.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls is currently available for streaming, inviting both longtime fans and new audiences to revisit its magical, mysterious world.