Eli Roth’s “Hostel” took the horror movie world by storm when it was released. Labelled “torture porn” or “gorn” (both affectionately by horror lovers and critically by detractors) for the way it revels in violence, blood, guts, and gore excessive as way to excite audiences, it was as controversial as it was successful.
The film follows a pair of American college students travelling across Europe. The pair end up near the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, having been told the women there fawn over American tourists. However, along with several of their fellow travellers, they eventually get taken one at a time by an organization that allows rich people to torture and kill others for a hefty price.
“Hostel” starred Jay Hernandez and Derek Richardson, along with a supporting cast of American and European actors. It hit theaters in the United States on January 6, 2006, meaning it’s just turned 20 years old (if you can believe that!).
So, two decades after its release, what do the cast of “Hostel” look like now, compared to how they looked back then? Let’s take a look…
Please be warned: One image in this article features a “Hostel” star in full makeup, with a gory facial wound.
Jay Hernandez (Paxton Rodriguez)
GettyFirst generation Mexican-American actor Jay Hernandez played Paxton Rodriguez in “Hostel.” Rodriguez is an American student who gets lured to Slovakia by the promise of beautiful European girls, only to be targeted by the organization that allows its clients to torture and kill people for money.
Age when “Hostel” released: 27.
Selected movie credits before “Hostel”: Crazy/Beautiful (2001), The Rookie (2002), Friday Night Lights (2004).
Above is a 2025 social media post by Jay Hernandez with a recent picture of him.
Age now: 47.
Selected movie credits after “Hostel”: World Trade Center (2006), Quarantine (2008), Suicide Squad (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Derek Richardson (Josh Brooks)
GettyNew Yorker Derek Richardson played Josh Brooks in “Hostel.” Brooks is an American student who, along with Paxton Rodriguez, is tempted to Slovakia in the hope of meeting beautiful European girls, but gets targeted by the organization that allows its clients to torture and kill people for money.
Age when “Hostel” released: 29.
Selected movie credits before “Hostel”: Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003), Bring It On Again (2004).
Above is a social media post showing Richardson in the 2024 movie “Reagan” alongside Dennis Quaid.
Age now: 49.
Selected movie credits after “Hostel”: The Power of Few (2013), Home (2020), Reagan (2024).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Eythor Gudjonsson (Oli Eriksson)
GettyIcelandic actor Eythor Gudjonsson played Oli Eriksson in “Hostel.” Eriksson is an Icelandic tourist who joins Paxton Rodriguez and Josh Brooks on their travels. Along with the Americans, he gets targeted by the organization that lets its clients torture and kill people for money.
Age when “Hostel” released: 37.
Selected movie credits before “Hostel”: N/A.
Above is a 2025 social media post by Eythor Gudjonsson showing him sitting in a chair.
Age now: 57.
Selected movie credits after “Hostel”: N/A.
Filmography info per IMDb.
Barbara Nedeljakova (Natalya)
GettySlovak actress Barbara Nedeljakova played Natalya in “Hostel.” Natalya is a Slovak woman who has ties to the organization that allows its clients to torture and kill people for money. She uses her beauty and charm to lure tourists (primarily lust-fuelled men) to their grisly fates.
Age when “Hostel” released: 26.
Selected movie credits before “Hostel”: Shangai Knights (2003), Doom (2005).
Above is a 2025 social media post by Barbara Nedeljakova showing her alongside her husband.
Age now: 46.
Selected movie credits after “Hostel”: Pimp (2010), Children of the Corn: Genesis (2011), Strippers vs Werewolves (2012).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jennifer Lim (Kana)
British-based Singaporean actress Jennifer Lim played Kana in “Hostel” (there’s a shot of her in the movie in the social media post above). Kana is a Japanese tourist in Slovakia who is targeted by the organization that allows its clients to torture and kill people for money.
Age when “Hostel” released: 25.
Selected movie credits before “Hostel”: Rogue Trader (1999), Code 46 (2003), Puritan (2005).
Above is a 2025 social media post by Jennifer Lim’s fellow “Hostel” star Barbara Nedeljakova featuring a recent picture of both actresses, with Lim nearest to the camera.
Age now: 45.
Selected movie credits after “Hostel”: Womb (2010), Piercing Brightness (2013), A Monster Calls (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Rick Hoffman (The American Client)
Getty“Suits” actor Rick Hoffman played an unnamed American man in “Hostel.” His character is a rich and bloodthirsty client of the organization that allows people to torture and kill others for money.
Age when “Hostel” released: 35.
Selected movie credits before “Hostel”: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998), A Better Way to Die (2000), Cellular (2004).
GettyAge now: 55.
Selected movie credits after “Hostel”: Postal (2007), Thanksgiving (2023), London Calling (2024).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Thankfully, all the core cast members of “Hostel” are doing well, looking great, and continuing with their acting careers.
“Hostel” spawned two sequels; 2007’s “Hostel: Part II” and 2011’s “Hostel: Part III.” If it’s a gorefest you’re looking for, there really are very few better trilogies to watch!
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