Rising star Emma Mackey has been cast alongside Glen Powell in J.J. Abrams’ highly anticipated yet untitled Warner Bros. feature film. The “Sex Education” breakout star joins an already impressive ensemble that includes “Wednesday” phenomenon Jenna Ortega, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing addition to Abrams’ filmography.
Mackey, who captured audiences’ hearts with her portrayal of the sharp-witted Maeve Wiley in Netflix’s hit series “Sex Education,” continues to build an impressive portfolio in Hollywood. This casting announcement follows her recent acclaimed performances, including her role in “Barbie” and her portrayal of Emily Brontë in “Emily,” demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
The project, which has been carefully developed over several months, remains shrouded in Abrams’ characteristic mystery. While early speculation suggested a time-travel narrative, sources close to the production have dismissed these rumors, leaving fans and industry insiders alike curious about the true nature of the story. Abrams, who penned the screenplay himself, is keeping the plot details firmly secured in his famous “mystery box” approach to storytelling.
The film has been gradually taking shape since May when Glen Powell, fresh off his success in “Top Gun: Maverick,” signed on as the male lead. With the addition of Mackey and Ortega, the project is building an ensemble of some of Hollywood’s most exciting young talent.
Production is scheduled to begin in early 2024, marking another significant project for Warner Bros. and Abrams’ Bad Robot production company. The combination of Abrams’ proven track record in creating compelling narratives and this dynamic young cast suggests this mysterious feature could be one of the most intriguing films to watch out for in the coming years.
