How’s this for a buzzy cast list? Deadline reports that Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich will star in “Opus,” an upcoming horror film from A24. The movie marks the feature debut of writer-director Mark Anthony Green, and he’s culled quite the ensemble for his first film. Other case members for “Opus” include Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Stephanie Suganami, and Tantanka Means. And Juliette Lewis is in final talks for a role in the film, too. That’s a formidable cast that blends Hollywood regulars with a mix of up-and-comers.
READ MORE: A24 To Reportedly Expand To “Action And Big IP Projects” After Recent Box Office Losses
So what’s “Opus” about, anyway? Plot details are under wraps, but it’s about an iconic pop star’s return after a decades-long disappearance. Sounds intriguing enough. Green writes and directs the picture, with producers including Collin Creighton and Brad Weston for Makeready, Poppy Hanks and Jelani Johnson for Macro Film Studios, and Josh Bachove. Executive producers include Macro’s Charles D. King and Sara Newkirk Simon.
But the additional EPs are the most interesting: legendary guitarist Nile Rodgers and musical artist The-Dream. The pair, who recently won a Grammy for their team-up on Beyonce‘s “Cuff It,” will write original songs for the movie along with executive producer credits. If that’s not enough to turn some heads for this project, what will?
Let’s break down the cast of “Opus,” though. Edebiri is a rising name in Hollywood thanks to FX‘s “The Bear,” Emma Seligman‘s “Bottoms,” and “Theater Camp.” Other recent work from the multi-hyphenate includes voice work on “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” Up next for Edebiri? She joins the MCU in “Thunderbolts,” tenatively slated for a December 20, 2024 theatrical release.
The legendary John Malkovich’s recent work includes the Showtime drama “Billions,” Alex Wolff‘s “The Line,” and Charlie Day‘s “Fool’s Paradise.” Other recent films for the actor include a spate of Netflix productions: “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile,” “Bird Box,” and “Velvet Buzzsaw.”
After his Emmy win for “The White Lotus,” Barlett has starred in “Welcome To Chippendales,” “The Last Of Us,” and “Extrapolations.” Audiences will see “Prey” star Midthunder next in “Dream Scenario,” in theaters tomorrow. Means’ recent credits also include “Prey,” as well as “Reservation Dogs” and “Killers Of The Flower Moon.” An upcoming role for the actor? “Wind River: The Next Chapter.” Suganami has appeared in “Dave” and “Something From Tiffany’s.” And Lewis recently starred in Showtime’s “Yellowjackets,” fresh off its second season.
Again, this is quite a cast for a director’s feature debut. But Green made a name for himself thanks to work in the fashion industry and his comedy short, “Trapeze, U.S.A.” Other recent work for the director includes being the Special Projects Manager for GQ Magazine. Let’s see how his jump to Hollywood goes with “Opus,” though.
With the SAG-AFTRA strike now over, “Opus” may hit production sooner than anyone thinks. But don’t expect this one in theaters until late 2024 at the earliest.