A24 Teams Up Again With Jesse Eisenberg After Oscar Success
Fresh off the critical acclaim and Oscar recognition of A Real Pain, actor-director Jesse Eisenberg is set to reunite with A24 for his next film. The yet-untitled musical comedy has officially begun production and features a dynamic ensemble of both rising stars and acclaimed industry veterans.
A24, known for its support of auteur-driven cinema, has locked in the project with Eisenberg, who will again collaborate with Fruit Tree, the production company helmed by Emma Stone, Dave McCary, and Ali Herting. The trio also backed A Real Pain, which recently earned widespread praise during its awards season run.
Halle Bailey, Julianne Moore, and Paul Giamatti Join the Cast
The film boasts a diverse and star-studded cast. Halle Bailey, fresh from her role in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, joins the project alongside rising indie star Havana Rose Liu and Broadway legend Bernadette Peters. They join previously announced actors Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, with supporting roles filled by Bonnie Milligan, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, and Maulik Pancholy.
The film’s plot follows a quiet, reserved woman who is unexpectedly cast in a local community theater musical. As she becomes immersed in her role, she begins to lose herself in the fantasy, leading to a comedic and emotional exploration of identity, creativity, and escapism.
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Original Music Written by Eisenberg Himself
Eisenberg isn’t just directing and writing—he’s also crafted the original music and lyrics for the musical-within-the-film. To bring his vision to life, he’s teamed up with veteran music supervisor Steven Gizicki, best known for La La Land, and executive music producer Bill Sherman, who worked on In the Heights and Hamilton. The film promises to blend indie comedy with vibrant musical elements, pushing Eisenberg’s creative boundaries into new territory.
A24, Fruit Tree, and Topic Studios Strengthen Collaboration
This marks another major collaboration between A24 and Fruit Tree, following recent projects like I Saw the TV Glow and the genre-blending series The Curse. Topic Studios, who also backed A Real Pain, returns as executive producer on the project and continues to work closely with A24 on upcoming projects like David Lowery’s Mother Mary, starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel.
CAA Media Finance, WME Independent, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP negotiated the distribution deal. With production underway, the untitled musical is shaping up to be one of A24’s most anticipated offerings in the coming year.