Motion Picture: Method Man Joins Cast Of 'Poetic License', Jo Koy Becomes Executive Producer for 'Nurses Unseen'
Riz ahmed - Amy Sussman
Action/Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Bleecker Street has acquired U.S. rights to Relay, a thriller directed by David MacKenzie and starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James, and Sam Worthington, following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film follows Ahmed as a secretive fixer who brokers payoffs in corporate whistleblowing cases, navigating danger when protecting a new client (James). Written by Justin Piasecki and produced by Black Bear, Thunder Road Pictures, and Sigma Films, Relay is slated for a theatrical release next year. The acquisition deal was negotiated by Bleecker Street, with Black Bear handling international rights.
Amir El-Masry has been announced as one of the final additions to the cast of 100 Nights of Hero, a period fantasy film directed by Julia Jackman and based on Isabel Greenberg's graphic novel. Details about El-Masry's role remain under wraps. He joins a star-studded ensemble that includes Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Nicholas Galitzine, and Felicity Jones. The film, a feminist fairy tale inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, revolves around a high-stakes love triangle and a battle of trust and survival in a remote castle. Production on the film has wrapped, with El-Masry’s involvement further heightening anticipation for this modern, sensibility-driven adaptation. El-Masry is represented by Independent Talent Group and Insight.
Raúl Castillo has joined the cast of The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, 20th Century Studios’ remake of the 1992 psychological thriller, in the role of Michael Bartel, originally played by Matt McCoy. Castillo will star alongside Maika Monroe and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, with the latter portraying Claire Bartel, Michael’s wife, who becomes the target of a vengeful nanny (Monroe). Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera from a script by Micah Bloomberg, the film reimagines the chilling tale of deception and betrayal as the nanny infiltrates the Bartel household with a sinister agenda.
Idris Elba and Chiwetel Ejiofor are executive producers of The Brown Dog, a short animated film featuring the late Michael K. Williams in his final role. Available now on WeTransfer’s YouTube channel, the film stars Williams as Nobody, a night watchman grappling with isolation and searching for a mysterious brown dog. Co-directed by Nadia Hallgren and Jamie-James Medina, with animation by Fons Schiedon and music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tyshawn Sorey, the film also features Steve Buscemi in a supporting role. Premiering at the American Black Film Festival and winning the grand prize for animated shorts at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival, The Brown Dog is a poignant tribute to Williams’ legacy.
Nava mau - Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
Comedy/Dramady/Musical: Fresh off being named to BAFTA Breakthrough’s 2024 cohort, Baby Reindeer breakout Nava Mau has joined the cast of The Dregs, a Tuscany-set comedic thriller marking Connor Martin’s directorial debut. The film follows a group of friends whose trip to Tuscany takes a darkly comedic turn due to unresolved tensions and a cursed bottle of Vin Santo. Mau, who recently became the first trans woman nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series for her role in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, will star alongside Benjamin Norris (Never Have I Ever), Marta Pozzan (From Scratch), Maria Grazia Cucinotta (Il Postino), and Zach Tinker (American Horror Story), who also serves as an executive producer. Shooting begins in Italy this March, with Mike Stern producing through Astral Plane and Alessandro Bertolucci co-producing via Dublab IT. Praising the cast, Stern described the project as “inventive, suspenseful, and painfully funny.” The Dregs promises to showcase a dynamic ensemble in a story brimming with charm and intrigue.
Betty Gabriel (Get Out), Thomas Barbusca (The Mick), and Annie Gonzalez (Flamin’ Hot) have joined the ensemble of Fade to Black, a darkly comedic thriller from Legion M, and first-time director Andrew Sandler. Gabriel and Gonzalez add depth to a cast led by Karan Soni, Max Carver, and Zosia Mamet, with the film exploring the twisted ambitions of a Hollywood screenwriter whose script inspires a real-life killing spree. Written by Brandon Cohen, the story blends horror and satire to dissect the entertainment industry. Produced by Legion M and Craftsmen Media Co., production is underway in Los Angeles.
Jeezy - Jay L. Clendenin
Drama: Jeezy will make his theatrical debut as the lead in Trap City, arriving in theaters nationwide on Dec. 13. Written, directed, and produced by Tel K. Ganesan, the film stars Brandon T. Jackson as Deshawn, an aspiring musician navigating the challenges of the music industry while seeking to escape a life of violence. Jeezy plays Reverend Lylee, alongside a cast that includes Clifton Powell, Erica Pinkett, Omar Gooding, and Yogi Babu. Jeezy also executive-produced the movie's original soundtrack, which drops alongside the film and features his track "Heavy" produced by Cartier Fly, plus contributions from Lil Reese and Jackson. Describing the project, Jeezy said, "Trap City sheds light on the realities of fame, power, and the sacrifices we make to overcome adversity."
Cliff “Method Man” Smith has joined the cast of Poetic License, Maude Apatow’s directorial debut. Written by Raffi Donatich, the film follows Liz, a former therapist and soon-to-be empty nester, whose life is upended when she becomes the unexpected center of tension between two inseparable college friends. Smith, best known as a Grammy-winning musician and founding member of Wu-Tang Clan, has built a thriving acting career with roles in Power Book II: Ghost, Godfather of Harlem, and The 4:30 Movie. His upcoming projects include the action-thriller Shadow Force, Michael Jai White’s Trouble Man!, and Season 2 of Poker Face. Produced by Jewelbox Pictures, Apatow Productions, and Levantine Films, Poetic License also stars Andrew Barth Feldman, Cooper Hoffman, Leslie Mann, Nico Parker, and Maisy Stella. Smith’s addition brings an exciting dynamic to this highly anticipated debut.
Hong Chau (The Instigators) and Shazad Latif (Magpie) have joined Emerald Fennell’s highly anticipated Wuthering Heights adaptation, produced by Warner Bros, MRC, and LuckyChap. Chau will portray Nelly Dean, the film’s chief narrator, while Latif takes on the role of Edgar Linton, Catherine Earnshaw’s aristocratic husband. This adaptation, led by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, is framed by Nelly’s retelling of the Earnshaw and Linton families’ intense history. Chau continues her career momentum with recent roles in Asteroid City and The Night Agent, while Latif has made waves in films like The Commuter and series including Star Trek: Discovery and Penny Dreadful.
Jo Koy - Jay L. Clendenin
Documentary: Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy has joined Nurse Unseen as an executive producer, teaming with Emmy-winning director Michele Josue to spotlight the sacrifices of Filipino nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the colonial ties that made them a backbone of U.S. healthcare. Koy, whose family includes many healthcare workers, expressed pride in highlighting their heroism and filling a gap in representation. Josue praised Koy’s leadership in the Filipino-American community and credited his comedy with inspiring the film’s exploration of Filipino heritage. Known for his Netflix specials and roles in films like Easter Sunday, Koy continues to champion Filipino stories in the mainstream.
Erika Sabel Flores - Rodin Eckenroth
Industry Update: Dave Clark, a filmmaker and recognized generative AI specialist, is one of the co-founders of Promise, a new AI-driven studio supported by The North Road Company and Andreessen Horowitz. Known for blending traditional filmmaking with AI innovation, Clark has worked with prominent actors and activists like George Clooney and Michael Ealy while creating content for various companies. At Promise, Clark aims to push the boundaries of storytelling by cultivating an inclusive space for creators to explore bold ideas. He is also instrumental in developing MUSE, a groundbreaking production workflow that integrates AI to elevate creative collaboration and storytelling quality.
The Latino Film Institute (LFI) has announced 10 directors selected for its 2025 LFI Inclusion Fellowship, supported by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity. Each fellow receives a $50,000 grant, personalized mentorship, and networking opportunities, with their completed films premiering at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) from May 28 to June 1, 2025. Erika Sabel Flores, LFI's VP of Programs and Innovation, emphasized the initiative's goal of fostering groundbreaking Latino content authentically representing the community. Past fellow Stacy Pascal Gaspard highlighted the program's impact on her artistic growth and career readiness. This year’s fellows include Colby Barrios (Love Me Tender, Love Me True), Jorge G. Camarena (All the Windows Are Closed), and others, showcasing diverse storytelling talent.
Louisiana lawmakers have voted to preserve the state’s film and TV production tax incentive, reducing its annual cap from $150 million to $125 million as part of a broader budget deal. This decision, supported by both the Senate and House, comes amid Gov. Jeff Landry’s push for comprehensive tax reform. The film incentive, credited with supporting 10,000 jobs and generating $1 billion annually, remains refundable and will no longer roll over unused credits to subsequent years. Industry advocates, including Film Louisiana, praised the move, emphasizing its role in sustaining Louisiana’s reputation as “Hollywood South” and attracting high-profile projects like 50 Cent’s G-Unit Studios in Shreveport.
Donna Langley has been promoted to Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios, solidifying her position as the top decision-maker for content and marketing across film, TV, and streaming. This reorganization follows NBCUniversal’s spinoff of cable assets and reshuffling of leadership. Langley now oversees all business, marketing, and scheduling operations for NBC, Bravo, and Peacock, unifying creative and operational control previously split with Mark Lazarus, who will head the spinoff company. While the move streamlines NBCU’s structure, industry insiders anticipate continued competition and potential redundancies as the two entities adjust to their new dynamics.
Samuel L. Jackson is in talks to star in J.J. Abrams' upcoming untitled film, joining a cast that includes Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, and Emma Mackey. Abrams, who last directed Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker (2019), is helming and writing the Warner Bros.-backed project, set to begin production in the U.K. this spring. This marks Jackson’s potential return to working with Abrams after a voice cameo in Rise of Skywalker. Recently, Jackson starred in Netflix’s The Piano Lesson and appeared in Argylle and Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
Tonatiuh has signed with CAA, marking a significant career milestone. The actor recently completed filming the lead role of Molina in Kiss of the Spider Woman, directed by Bill Condon and co-starring Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna. Produced by Artists Equity and Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions, the film adapts Manuel Puig’s acclaimed 1976 novel set in an Argentinian prison. Tonatiuh also stars in Netflix’s upcoming thriller Carry On alongside Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman, releasing December 13. His past work includes roles in Promised Land, Vida, and Angelyne.
Neon and UFO have launched the Neon X UFO Second Feature Development Residency, aimed at supporting underrepresented filmmakers working on their sophomore features. The first participant is Channing Godfrey Peoples, whose debut film Miss Juneteenth (2020) earned critical acclaim. The month-long residency offers a living and work space at the Silver Sun Residence and concludes with a week in New York City. During her residency, Godfrey Peoples will continue developing her next project’s script and meet with industry professionals. The program also includes a screening of Miss Juneteenth in Saugerties, N.Y. Godfrey Peoples was selected for her creative risk-taking and unique perspective, aligning with the program’s focus on filmmakers from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Cynthia Erivo’s production company, Edith’s Daughter, has signed a first-look deal with Universal Pictures, expanding her collaboration with the studio. This pact follows Erivo’s role as Elphaba in Wicked, which will release Part 1 this Friday, and her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Harriet, earning her two Academy Award nominations. Erivo launched Edith’s Daughter in 2020 to develop stories that highlight underrepresented voices, and the company’s first film, Drift, debuted at Sundance in 2023. Edith’s Daughter is also developing a remake of The Rose and a series about Sarah Forbes Bonetta. Erivo expressed her excitement about furthering her partnership with Universal, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in storytelling.
