REMEMBER – Annika Knudson Cast as Rebecca

Ten friends in an isolated cabin are terrorized by a malevolent force that picks them off one-by-one. As each character is taken, the survivors forget that their friend ever existed, causing ripple effects that affect their personalities, relationships, and ability to survive the night.

We’re so excited to introduce Annika Knudson as Rebecca in REMEMBER! If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Annika has already been part of our team—working behind the scenes on our summer prologue shoot. Now, they’ll be stepping in front of the camera for their first feature film role.

Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Annika moved to Hendersonville with their family in 2021 after years of visiting the region. “The weather is so much better than Kansas,” they laughed. “Otherwise, it wasn’t too much of a transition. This place is definitely my home now.” Since moving, they’ve quickly immersed themself in the local theater and filmmaking scene—balancing acting, crew work, and film production studies with an infectious love for storytelling.

Annika joined the REMEMBER crew this summer as part of our prologue team, where they worked with American Idol winner Caleb Johnson. 

One moment stuck with them: seeing Caleb in full special effects makeup. “I had a vague understanding of what SFX could do, but when I was walking with Caleb in makeup, I kept checking to see if he was okay. I knew it wasn’t real, but I had to keep reminding myself that he was fine.”

When director Jeff Corpening asked Annika what they hoped to do in the future, they shared their dream of performing. Jeff encouraged them to audition—and a few weeks later, they landed the role of Rebecca. “I was both nervous and excited. But now here I am.”

Though Annika initially found Rebecca’s personality very different from their own, that gap quickly began to close. “I definitely feel more connected to her than when I first read about her,” they said. “I’m building up the connections and seeing where they intertwine with my own life.”

Acting has been a longtime passion. They’ve performed in community theater productions across Western North Carolina, including Young Frankenstein (as Inga), Legally Blonde (Margot), and Anne of Green Gables (in multiple fast-paced ensemble roles). And though REMEMBER marks their feature debut, it’s far from their first creative venture—they’re currently studying Audio & Video Production at Isothermal Community College, where they help run live news broadcasts as part of a multi-role crew.

Annika admits they can’t watch horror movies. “They give me nightmares. I can’t do it.” But they’re still thrilled to help bring one to life—especially one so rooted in their values. “I love that the script has queer identities as an integral part of the narrative. I’m thankful I get to be a part of it.”

That resonance goes even deeper, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene. “I am so thankful that we have recovered enough to be able to start making art again, because art is so important to the human condition. It’s a very good sign that we’re able to create things again just for the pursuit of beauty and entertainment. It’s been wonderful to be on set and try and help that in some miniscule way.”

For Annika, working on REMEMBER is more than a first film role—it’s a chance to grow, contribute, and create in a space that celebrates community and authenticity. “I am so glad that I get to work on a set that is so friendly. It’s really meaningful to me that my first time being on a set on this side of things gets to be an environment that’s so welcoming.”

We’re beyond grateful to welcome Annika to the REMEMBER family—both behind the camera and in front of it.

Thanks for following along as we roll out more cast updates! Be sure to follow us on social media, and if you’re interested in supporting the film, you can reach out to us at [email protected].