Angel Reese Makes Feature Film Debut in Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite

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From dominating the paint in the WNBA to lighting up the big screen, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has officially made her Hollywood debut. Reese appeared Tuesday at the Venice Film Festival, where she premiered in acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow’s latest thriller, A House of Dynamite. The film, which stars Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, and Anthony Ramos, received an enthusiastic 11-minute standing ovation following its screening at the prestigious Sala Grande theater, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Reese’s cameo features a standout moment in the film shortly after Elba’s character—who plays the President of the United States—is briefed in the White House Situation Room. As tension builds, his next stop on the agenda is described simply as an “Angel Reese thing.”

The scene cuts to a basketball court, where Reese and a group of young girls are seen shooting hoops. The President joins in, sharing a reflective moment about how sports shaped his early life before his career in politics took center stage. The interaction, though brief, provides a poignant pause in the high-stakes thriller.

Bigelow, known for award-winning films such as The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, reportedly cast Reese for her charisma, cultural impact, and authenticity on camera. The moment blends sports and politics in a way that adds emotional depth to the film’s escalating global crisis.

“It was surreal,” Reese said during a red carpet interview. “To be part of something like this—on such a big stage—is a dream I didn’t even know I had.”

Reese isn’t the only athlete making moves at Venice this year. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf also appeared at the festival in the sci-fi thriller Asteroid, acting alongside Hailee Steinfeld, who is married to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

A House of Dynamite is set to open in select UK theaters on October 3, followed by an international release on October 10. The film will stream globally on Netflix starting October 24. As her star continues to rise both on and off the court, Angel Reese proves she's more than just a basketball player—she’s a cultural force ready to take on any stage.