An Oscar-nominated actor has joined Josh Holloway in the upcoming sci-fi movie thriller One Second After. The film, based on William R. Forstchen’s bestselling novel, explores the fallout of an electromagnetic pulse attack that plunges society into chaos. The new cast member will portray a key family figure supporting Holloway’s character as he struggles to protect his community in North Carolina.
One Second After cast adds Mary McDonnell
Mary McDonnell has joined the cast of the upcoming science fiction thriller One Second After. The film is directed by Scott Rogers and written by J. Michael Straczynski, adapting William R. Forstchen’s 2009 novel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
McDonnell will play Jen, the mother-in-law of John Matherson, portrayed by Josh Holloway. The story centers on a small North Carolina town grappling with the collapse of technology following an electromagnetic pulse attack.
Famke Janssen plays Mayor Kate Lindsey, while Hannah John-Kamen portrays Makalya in the film. Johnna Dias-Watson, Kennedy Moyer, and John Eric Bentley round out the supporting cast.
The production team began principal photography in September 2025 in Sofia, Bulgaria. MPI Original Films and Startling Inc. produce the project, with Rob Pfaltzgraff, Nick Reid, and Matt Kennedy leading as producers. Scott Rogers, who previously worked on John Wick: Chapter 4 and Tron: Ares, directs the feature as his debut.
McDonnell is a two-time Academy Award nominee, widely known for her performances in Dances With Wolves and Passion Fish. She’s also played key roles in Independence Day, Sneakers, Scream 4, and Donnie Darko.
Her television credits include Battlestar Galactica, Major Crimes, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Fall of the House of Usher. She has also been nominated for Emmy awards for her work on The Closer and ER. Most recently, McDonnell was featured in a western movie titled Broke, alongside Dennis Quaid and Wyatt Russell.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.
