Who’s joining Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega on J.J. Abrams‘ first film since 2019’s “Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker“? THR has the scoop there, and it’s an intriguing twosome. Samuel L. Jackson is the latest addition to the cast sheet, which comes days after “Sex Education” star Emma Mackey also joined the project.
READ MORE: Glen Powell Being Eyed For Role In J.J. Abrams’ Next Mystery Feature Film
But Jackson will have a supporting role compared to the other three actors, with THR describing Powell, Ortega, and Mackey as a trifecta of leads for the film. If that’s the case, good for Ms. Mackey. She’s already had a big screen lead with 2022’s “Emily” and supporting roles in “Death On The Nile” and “Barbie,” but the actress was due to headline a movie. Now she does so with a blockbuster, side by side Hollywood’s next leading man in Powell and another rising female star in Ortega.
But what’s Abrams’ latest movie anyway? Warner Bros. wants to keep that under wraps, but sources say the film will start shooting next spring in the UK. Abrams also produces the project through his Bad Robot banner, but beyond that, this inevitable tentpole is a complete mystery.
Jackson has had a super-busy 2024 that included five films: “Argylle,” “Damaged,” “The Piano Lesson,” and “The Garfield Movie.” The fifth, “The Unholy Trinity,” had its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival in October and awaits release. On the TV side this year, Jackson has Peacock‘s mini-series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” which premiered on the streamer earlier this fall. Up next for the actor? The sci-fi actioner “Afterburn” with Dave Bautista and Olga Kurylenko, and Renny Harlin‘s “The Beast“; both are in post-production now.
Mackey had a considerably less busy year than her new co-star, but also has two films on the way. First up, Film4 and HanWay Films‘ “Hot Milk” with Fiona Shaw and Vicky Krieps. Then there’s the 20th Century Studios comedy “Ella McCay.” Both films reach audiences in 2025.
