Damien Chazelle doesn’t make small films. Even his breakout film, “Whiplash,” is small in scale but features massive performances. But his most recent films, “La La Land” and “First Man,” not only feature big performances but also huge production value. And judging by the casting alone for his new feature, “Babylon,” it appears that Chazelle is upping his game to an incredible height, bringing in a slew of A-list talent to appear in his film about Old Hollywood.
According to THR, Olivia Wilde, Spike Jonze, Phoebe Tonkin, and Tobey Maguire have all joined the cast of the forthcoming film, “Babylon.” These folks join the already-stacked cast that includes Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li, Katherine Waterston, and Diego Calva. The film is said to be a fictional account of the era of Hollywood where films switched from silent features to “talkies” during the late-1920s. Also rounding out the supporting cast in the blockbuster drama are actors such as Max Minghella, Lukas Haas, Flea, Rory Scovel, Samara Weaving, Eric Roberts, P.J. Byrne, and Damon Gupton. Quite the ensemble, right?
Olivia Wilde and Spike Jonze are known quantities around these parts. Wilde is an actress that has appeared in a number of huge films and is quickly building her reputation as one of the most exciting new filmmakers. Jonze, on the other hand, is a filmmaker that is known to appear in films and TV series occasionally in fun roles. Tonkin is probably best known for her TV work, appearing in series such as “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals.” Most recently, she’s shown up in episodes of “Westworld” and “The Affair.”
Perhaps the most shocking name is the cast is Tobey Maguire. After being one of the biggest stars on the planet, thanks in no small part to his role in the “Spider-Man” franchise, his career as an actor has kind of been non-existent in recent years. His last major on-screen role came in the 2014 drama, “Pawn Sacrifice.” (And if you are to believe rumors, he’s set to play a role in the forthcoming “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”)
“Babylon” is expected to arrive in theaters just in time for Christmas 2022.
