It’s been a few years since we’ve seen Cathy Yan debut a film project. Back at the beginning of 2020, shortly before COVID took over and shut everything down, Yan’s “Birds of Prey” was released in theaters. Obviously, that film didn’t do as well as many had hoped, but the filmmaker proved she’s one of the best up-and-coming directors working today. Since then, she’s worked on “Succession,” directing an episode of that series. However, we now know what her next feature work will be, as Yan preps to begin production on “The Freshening.”
READ MORE: ‘Paprika’: Cathy Yan To Produce & Direct A Live-Action Series Adaptation For Amazon
According to Deadline, Cathy Yan’s long-in-development film, “The Freshening,” is set to begin filming later this year. Not only that, the filmmaker has found her leading man, bringing in actor John Boyega to star in the film. “The Freshening” is being billed as a sci-fi romance that follows two people who live in a world where racial tensions have risen and the only solution is an injection that forces people to see everyone as the same race and gender as themselves. Of course, things get upended when a new drug is on the streets claiming to allow people to see things for how they actually are. “The Freshening” is produced by FilmNation Entertainment, Ali Wong, Hyperobject Industries’ Adam McKay and Betsy Koch, and Rewild’s Yan and Ash Sarohia.
“It’s a dream to work with John Boyega, a singular talent whose commitment to his craft and willingness to take risks have delivered such memorable, wide-ranging performances,” said Yan. “I know he’ll bring incredible depth and nuance to Reese. I’m thrilled he’s on for this wild ride.”
As mentioned, Yan is probably best known for directing “Birds of Prey.” Previously, she directed the film, “Dead Pigs,” which earned her acclaim out of Sundance back in 2018. Boyega is probably best known for his work in the “Star Wars” franchise, as well as his breakout role in “Attack the Block.” Most recently, you can find him in the films “The Woman King” and “Breaking.” His next film is the Netflix feature, “They Cloned Tyrone.”
A release date has yet to be announced for “The Freshening,” but filming is expected to begin later this year.
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://theplaylist.net/the-freshening-john-boyega-to-star-in-cathy-yans-sci-fi-romance-produced-by-adam-mckay-ali-wong-20230307/&media=https://cdn.theplaylist.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/07131553/John-Boyega-To-Star-In-Sci-Fi-%E2%80%98The-Freshening-For-%E2%80%98Birds-Of-Prey-Director-Cathy-Yan-FilmNation-Ali-Wong-Adam-McKay-Producing.jpg&description=John Boyega is set to star as a guy living in a world where racism and sexism have escalated to violent levels in "The Freshening." Totally sci-fi.){kind=link}