The upcoming family comedy GROW has adjusted its release strategy in response to one of the biggest cultural events of the season. Originally scheduled to open October 3-9, the film will now debut nationwide October 17-23. The move comes after Taylor Swift announced an in-theatre release party for October 3, a date expected to dominate screens and ticket sales. By planting itself two weeks later, GROW positions itself as a family-friendly option for audiences seeking festive entertainment in the run-up to Halloween.
Directed by John McPhail, best known for Anna and the Apocalypse, the film features Golda Rosheuvel of Bridgerton as Dinah Little, a tough-minded farmer, and Priya-Rose Brookwell of The Lazarus Project as her spirited niece Charlie. Jeremy Swift, recognized for his role in Ted Lasso, also stars alongside Nick Frost from Hot Fuzz and Dominic McLaughlin, the actor recently cast as Harry Potter in HBO Max’s forthcoming series. The film will give fans their first chance to see McLaughlin and Frost together as Harry and Hagrid, offering a glimpse of the dynamic that will soon define the new Wizarding World.
Set in a town that prides itself on being the pumpkin capital of the world, GROW blends comedy, eccentric rivalries, and heartfelt themes of family and community. When Dinah takes in Charlie, the pair enter the annual pumpkin-growing contest, a tradition that brings together the town’s most colorful characters. As the stakes rise, Charlie’s mysterious gift for connecting with plants leads to both unexpected challenges and surprising growth, strengthening the bond with her aunt and revealing that the true prize comes from joy, laughter, and connection.
The supporting cast includes Tim McInnerny, Jane Horrocks, Alan Carr, Joe Wilkinson, Kathryn Drysdale, Fisayo Akinade, and Sharon Rooney. Produced by Double Nickel Entertainment with support from Sky, Orogen Entertainment, and Blazing Griffin, the film continues Double Nickel’s focus on stories that resonate across generations.
Tickets for GROW will be available through Fathom Entertainment and participating theaters across the U.S., with Sky Cinema handling distribution in the UK and Ireland and further international releases still to be announced. By shifting to mid-October, GROW ensures it won’t be overshadowed by Swift’s release event and secures a place as a warm, festive alternative to the horror films that dominate the Halloween season.
