This May, fans of the 1984 fantasy classic are invited to travel to the world of Fantasia without ever leaving the South Bay. Temple of Geek is proud to announce a special screening of The NeverEnding Story at the historic Gardena Cinema on May 29, 2026.
The evening features a rare, live Q&A with Noah Hathaway, the actor who brought the heroic Atreyu to life. Hosted by filmmaker and entertainment journalist Josh LaCount, Hathaway will share behind-the-scenes secrets, ranging from the technical marvels of the 1980s to the physical toll of bringing an epic quest to the big screen.
Noah Hathaway Discusses Working on The NeverEnding Story
For Hathaway, the scale of The NeverEnding Story was unlike anything he had ever experienced, even after working on major projects like Battlestar Galactica. He recalls the production utilizing one of the largest sound stages in the world, where the “Swamps of Sadness” were recreated using six feet of mud across an area larger than a football field.
“You didn’t really have to imagine it,” Hathaway noted of the immersive sets. “You were in the swamps. It just put you there.” This realism extended to the film’s groundbreaking animatronics, which Hathaway credits with making his job easier due to the lifelike movements of the eyes and lips controlled by dedicated puppeteers.
However, the role was not without its challenges. During early production, the studio originally intended to follow the book’s description of Atreyu by painting Hathaway green. While the idea was eventually scrapped in favor of a more “marketable” look, Hathaway remains relieved: “The NeverEnding Story took over a year to shoot and I couldn’t imagine being green for over a year.”
The production also demanded incredible physical resilience. Months before filming began, Hathaway suffered a severe injury during horse training. A horse he was riding got spooked, flipped, and landed on him, breaking his back in several places.
Hathaway spent the first two and a half months of production in traction in a German hospital. “The first couple of days were really scary because I couldn’t feel my legs for a while,” he shared, reflecting on the fact that the accident nearly paralyzed or killed him. Despite this, he went on to film for an entire year following his recovery.
An Exclusive Fan Experience
This event offers more than just a trip down memory lane. Temple of Geek has curated a full-immersion experience for attendees:
- Meet Atreyu: Every ticket holder will receive a pre-signed 8×10 autograph and get the chance to meet and take a selfie with Noah Hathaway.
- Authenticated Collectibles: Additional autographs will be available for purchase on-site, with SWAU Authentication present to provide professional services.
- Cosplay Contest: Fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters. Hathaway, who admits he has “always loved the costume part of going to conventions,” will judge the contest alongside Temple of Geek’s Maddie Morrow. Sign up here!
For Hathaway, the enduring legacy of the film is what makes these events special. “I’ve never seen a movie that resonated so deeply with people,” he said, noting that for 40 years, fans have shared stories of how the film changed or even saved their lives.
Event Details & Tickets
The event will be hosted at the Gardena Cinema, a vintage neighborhood treasure built in 1946. This family-operated, 800-seat theater is a staple of the community, dedicated to preserving the classic movie-going experience.
- Date: May 29, 2026
- Doors Open: 6:30 PM | Movie Starts: 7:30 PM
- Location: Gardena Cinema, 14948 Crenshaw Blvd, Gardena, CA 90249
- Tickets: Available starting April 10, 2026, at GardenaCinema.com (Powered by Veezi) and Fandango.
Whether you are a lifelong fan of the Luck Dragon or introducing a new generation to the Nothing, join us for a night celebrating a film that remains, as Hathaway puts it, “a great movie overall” that can never be truly replicated.
