Nicholas Hoult Joins Searchlight's Dark Comedy 'The Menu'

Producer Adam McKay (“Vice,” “Don’t Look Up“) and Searchlight Pictures had teamed for a new dark comedy “The Menu” that will be helmed by “Succession“s Mark Mylod with a cast that already includes Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Northman,” “The Witch,” “The Queen’s Gambit“), Oscar-nominee Ralph Fiennes (“No Time To Die,” “Schindler’s List“), and Hong Chau (“Downsizing,” “Inherent Vice,” “Watchmen,” “The Whale“).

Will Tracey and Seth Reiss penned the script. “The Menu” focuses on a young couple that visits a remote island to eat an exclusive restaurant that includes a lavish meal prepared by a chef played by Fiennes. However, it sounds like there will be twists and surprises as things won’t exactly be as straightforward as the synopsis would suggest (think cannibals!)

Another key cast member has been selected, as The Hollywood Reporter has learned that British actor Nicholas Hoult (“X-Men: First Class,” “Mad Max: Fury Road“) has been tapped to play the male part of the aforementioned couple alongside Taylor-Joy (who replaced Emma Stone).

Hoult previously worked with Searchlight on the Oscar-winning film “The Favourite” by director Yorgos Lanthimos. His most recent string of films includes Taylor Sheridan‘s “Those Who Wish Me Dead,” and he had exited from Christopher McQuarrie‘s “Mission: Impossible 7” due to scheduling issues.

Taylor-Joy, like Hoult, is joining the “Mad Max” universe and is said to begin shooting George Miller‘s prequel “Furiosa” next month in Sydney alongside Chris Hemsworth (“Thor: Love & Thunder“) and Yaha Abdul-Mateen II (“Matrix 4,” “Watchmen,” “Aquaman“). Her next film, “Last Night In Soho,” directed by Edgar Wright, will make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Adam Mckay has been busy with the disaster comedy “Don’t Look Up” that sees Oscar-winners Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio as the leads and likely comes out later this fall.