Patrick Wilson on Acting With Former Co-Star's Son in 1991 Hit Thriller Remake: ‘I See His Mom Every Time'

It's been 35 years since Robert De Niro terrified audiences with his portrayal of vengeful killer Max Cady in Martin Scorsese's psychological thriller, Cape Fear. Along with De Niro, the film starred some of Hollywood's most recognizable faces at the time, such as Jessica Lange, Nick Nolte, and a teenage Juliette Lewis.

With the Apple TV remake premiering on June 5, much of the focus is on Javier Bardem, Amy Adams, and Patrick Wilson -- who are stepping into those roles this time around. But for two of the actors, it's hard not to focus on Joe Anders, who plays Zack Bowden in the series. The 22-year-old is the son of Wilson's former co-star, Kate Winslet, and Bardem's former director, Sam Mendes.

Anders is still making a name for himself beyond being "Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes' son," with Cape Fear as his most high-profile role yet. He also sees himself as a writer and wrote the screenplay for Goodbye June, which was released in 2025. The film was also Winslet's directorial debut.

Wilson's Full-Circle Moment With Winslet's Son

"Every time I look at him I see his mom," Wilson admitted to PEOPLE. "That was really special. I remember meeting him in a stroller 20 years ago."

Wilson and Winslet starred in the 2006 film Little Children, playing stay-at-home parents who have an affair. Anders was just one or two years old when filming took place.

"We're very fortunate to be where we are in life and career and being able to still do this at this level and have this amount of fun," Wilson said. "And then to work with kids that you've worked with their parents years ago - I mean, it's super great."

"I know Kate, and I know they're all going to be super proud of Joe," the Conjuring star added. "But, yes, every time I look at that mouth, I see Kate Winslet!"

Bardem's Surprising 'Skyfall' Connection to Anders

Bardem also got to know Anders as a kid. Not through Winslet, but Mendes, who directed him in the 2012 James Bond film, Skyfall. "Joe was running around the set when he was like 4 or 5 years old," the No Country for Old Men star recalled. "He's fantastic."

Anders may not have the vivid memories of Bardem and Wilson that they have of him, but he was thrilled and awestruck to be working with them.

"Still mind-blowing now. I can't wrap my head around it at all," he said.

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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 2:29 PM.