'Coastal Elites': Bette Midler, Kaitlyn Dever, Issa Rae & More Star In Jay Roach's HBO Pandemic Satire

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many in Hollywood to figure out how to create in difficult circumstances. We’ve seen filmmakers create timely shorts, TV networks reuniting casts of past shows for specials, and now, thanks to HBO, a new special where an all-star cast comments on the lockdown in “Coastal Elites.”

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According to HBO, Jay Roach is set to direct a new satire titled “Coastal Elites,” written by Paul Rudnick, that features an eclectic cast of characters responding to the current pandemic and the political situation that surrounds it. And it appears that Roach and Rudnick have found an incredible cast to portray those elites. The project will star Bette Midler, Kaitlyn Dever, Sarah Paulson, Dan Levy, and Issa Rae.

“Paul Rudnick and Jay Roach bring their razor-sharp perspective and wit to HBO,” said Casey Bloys, President, HBO Programming. “We are thrilled to partner with them in telling this story, which is uniquely resonant for these times.”

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The idea of tackling timely political subject matter is nothing new for Roach. Though he may be best known for his early comedic films, such as the “Austin Powers” franchise, the filmmaker has shifted into more political territory in recent years with films such as “Recount,” “Game Change,” “The Campaign,” and of course, last year’s “Bombshell.”

He’s joined by Rudnick, who is probably best known for his work in stage productions but has written features such as “Addams Family Values,” “In & Out,” and “The Stepford Wives.”

As you might expect, “Coastal Elites” was produced entirely during quarantine, which means that HBO is expected to air it soon, with a planned September release date in mind.