Celine Song‘s sophomore feature “Materialists” hits theaters today, and many expect it to be another hit for A24. So what’s next for Song after this: another romantic movie for that studio, right? Not quite.
Variety reports that the “Past Lives” director is making a hard pivot on her next project, moving from film to TV to direct “Damage,” an e-sports drama series for HBO. Say what? That should startle those who hoped or figured that Song would spend the rest of her career reworking the tropes of every kind of romantic drama imaginable. Said Song on the project: “I’d love to talk more about it when it’s further along.” Fair enough, but consider us at full attention, because “Damages” is about the last thing anyone expected out of her.
Song will write and executive produce the series with 2AM producer David Hinojosi, who worked with her on both “Past Lives” and “Materialists.” “The Last Of Us” and “Chernobyl” showrunner Craig Mazin is also on board as an executive producer. A24 is in the mix too, as they’ll serve as the studio for the series.
Song made her feature directorial debut in 2023 with “Past Lives,” which took Sundance by storm that year. The buzz out of the festival followed it through its critically acclaimed theatrical run. Song’s film topped several critical top 10 lists for the year and went on to receive Oscar nods for both Best Picture and Best Screenplay.
But will “Materialists” have the same success? Song’s follow-up didn’t get a world premiere at a major festival, so the buzz this time around is more of a dull roar than an enthusiastic yawp. Dakota Johnson stars in the film as a professional matchmaker thrust into a love triangle with Pedro Pascal‘s wealthy financier and Chris Evans‘ broke ex-boyfriend. A24 produce the pic, with Sony handling its theatrical release that starts today.
Stay tuned for more details about “Damage” as they’re available. As for “Materialists”? Don’t be surprised if it does serious damage at the weekend box office (no pun intended).
