Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow are back together again—two decades after their last on-screen collaboration, and it’s safe to say they’re just as delighted about it as I am.

In a recent interview with The Movie Dweeb, Rush couldn’t hide his excitement about sharing the screen once more with Lithgow in their latest film, The Rule of Jenny Pen. When asked about the long-awaited reunion, the Oscar-winning actor beamed, “It was fantastic.”

A Reunion 20 Years in the Making

The last time Rush and Lithgow worked together was on The Life and Death of Peter Sellers in 2004, but the two crossed paths again at the 2018 Emmys, under particularly memorable circumstances. “At the Emmys maybe, um, what are we now, six years ago in 2018, we ran into each other, and he’d won for playing Churchill. I lost for playing Einstein,” Rush recalled with a laugh. “But we had a really lovely chat, and I said, ‘What the f***? Look at us! We’re playing these guys. You know what I mean? This is a character actor’s dream.’”

Now, in The Rule of Jenny Pen, the two legendary actors are facing off again—but this time, things are a lot darker.

What is The Rule of Jenny Pen About?

Directed by James Ashcroft (Coming Home in the Dark), The Rule of Jenny Pen is set within the unsettling confines of a care home. Rush plays Stefan Mortensen, a retired judge recovering from a stroke, who finds himself at the mercy of long-term resident Dave Crealy (Lithgow).

Crealy isn’t just your typical grumpy old man. Armed with a deeply unsettling puppet named Jenny Pen, he rules over the other residents with a sinister grip, making Stefan’s stay in the care home far more terrifying than anticipated. What unfolds is a chilling psychological thriller packed with power struggles, eerie mind games, and plenty of “Nope, absolutely not” moments.

Speaking about his role, Lithgow described it as “deliciously disturbing,” while Rush praised the film’s clever balance of psychological horror and dark humor.

From Einstein to Pirates: Geoffrey Rush’s Legendary Career

It’s no surprise that Rush delivers a powerhouse performance in The Rule of Jenny Pen. The Australian acting icon has an enviable resume, having won an Oscar for Shine (1996), stolen scenes as Captain Barbossa in Pirates of the Caribbean, and even embodied the genius of Albert Einstein in National Geographic’s Genius, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination.

Meanwhile, Lithgow, a true chameleon of the industry, took home an Emmy for playing Winston Churchill in Netflix’s The Crown, adding yet another prestigious accolade to a career that spans everything from Dexter to 3rd Rock from the Sun.

Where to Watch The Rule of Jenny Pen

For those who love a slow-burn thriller with powerhouse performances, The Rule of Jenny Pen is currently playing in UK and Irish cinemas, with a streaming release on Shudder and AMC+ set for March 28.

Rush and Lithgow going head-to-head again? That’s the kind of cinematic showdown we love to see. Just, maybe, keep your distance from any creepy puppets.