Wood Harris, Teyana Taylor, and Shayna McHayle aka Junglepussy are the latest to join Paul Anderson’s untitled feature. They join previously cast Regina Hall, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sean Penn. This feature reunites Hall with McHayle, her Support The Girls co-star and with Wood Harris. The two starred in Paid in Full together.
Alana Haim, who made her acting debut in Anderson’s Licorice Pizza and newcomer Chase Infiniti round out the cast.
While details about the film’s plot remain shrouded in secrecy, insiders reveal that it is set in a contemporary setting, marking a departure from Anderson’s usual storytelling milieu. They also noted it will be an ensemble piece.
Warner Bros. will spearhead the production, set to begin filming later this month in California. The state that has been a backdrop to many of Anderson’s cinematic masterpieces. The filmmaker, known for classics like “Boogie Nights” and “Phantom Thread,” is venturing into what Deadline describes as his most commercial and high-budget project to date.
With a budget reportedly nearing $100 million, the film signifies a departure from Anderson’s usual endeavors, emphasizing a push for broader commercial success. Industry insiders speculate that the combined star power of DiCaprio, Penn, and Hall could contribute to the film’s popularity, marking a potential turning point for Anderson’s box office fortunes.
The significance of this project extends beyond its star-studded cast. Warner Bros. and its executives, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, aim to reshape the studio’s narrative after a challenging 2023. Despite the studio finishing the year with the top-grossing film in “Barbie,” the opportunity to collaborate with talents like DiCaprio, Penn, and Hall presents a chance for a transformative shift.