Production is officially underway on Tyrant, the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios thriller from writer-director David Weil, and the cast is continuing to take shape with a new wave of additions.
Paapa Essiedu, Nara Smith, Hudson Williams, and Omar Apollo have joined the film, which is currently shooting in Los Angeles—making it one of the few high-profile productions filming in the city this year.
They join a previously announced ensemble led by Charlize Theron, Julia Garner, and Demi Moore.
While the film’s full plot is being kept quiet, Tyrant is described as a high-stakes culinary thriller set within New York City’s elite fine dining world. The project is said to blend the intensity of films like Wall Street and Whiplash, suggesting a story driven by ambition, power, and pressure inside one of the most competitive industries. As of now, character details remain tightly under wraps.
Weil is directing from a script he wrote, based on a story he developed alongside Cody Behan.
Behind the scenes, Tyrant is being produced by The Picture Company’s Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona, along with Charlize Theron and her Secret Menu banner partners Beth Kono and A.J. Dix. Weil also produces alongside Natalie Laine Williams, with Stan Wlodkowski serving as executive producer.
The newly announced cast brings a mix of rising and established talent. Essiedu, who earned Emmy and BAFTA nominations for his breakout role in I May Destroy You, continues to build momentum across film and television. Williams is coming off the breakout success of Heated Rivalry, while Apollo expands his on-screen résumé following his role in Queer. Smith, widely recognized for her lifestyle and cooking content, marks a notable addition to the ensemble.