M. Night Shyamalantook to Twitter on Tuesdayto announce that he’d begun casting his next untitled genre movie for Universal, and sure enough, multiple sources tell Collider thatAlex Wolffis in talks for one of the main roles.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, though sources likened Wolff’s role to the film’s third lead, much as he was inHereditarybehindToni ColletteandGabriel Byrne. Universal had no comment, while representatives for Wolff did not respond to multiple requests for comment this week.
Last September, Universal announced that Shyamalan would write and direct two original thrillers for the studio, which would release them in theaters on Jul 24, 2025 and Aug 11, 2025, respectively. Those release dates will likely have to push due to Hollywood’s current production shutdown, though Variety reporterJustin Krollhasspeculated on Twitterthat Shyamalan’s next could end up being the first film to be shot in full once restrictions are lifted.
Shyamalan’s last film,Glass, a sequel of sorts to 2000’sUnbreakableand 2016’sSplit, grossed nearly $250 million worldwide. He reportedly self-financedSplitandGlass, as well asThe Visit, for a combined $35 million, and will self-finance his next two projects as well, including this one. Shyamalan’s films have grossed more than $3.3 billion worldwide, and the Philadelphia-based filmmaker says he is committed to making original films, which he has deemed “crucial to the longevity of the theatrical experience.” The director is coming off of Apple’s psychological thrillerServant.
Wolff’s movie career has taken off ever since he played one of the Boston Marathon bombers inPeter Berg’s thrillerPatriots Day. He went on to star in the well-received indieMy Friend Dahmerbefore being cast asDwayne Johnson’s alter ego inJumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The following year brought his breakout role inHereditary, and last year, Wolff made his directorial debut with the indieThe Cat and the Moon, which he also wrote, produced, and starred in.
Wolff can currently be seen alongsideHugh Jackmanin HBO’sBad Education, and he also stars oppositeMaya Hawkein the indieHuman Capital. Wolff’s upcoming films include the indie dramaCastle in the GroundwithImogen Poots, which hits VOD on May 15, as well as theNicolas CagemoviePigfromMichael Sarnoskiand co-writerVanessa Block. Wolff is represented by CAA, Definition Entertainment and Untitled Entertainment. Collider has long suspected the 22 year-old actor was bound for big things, as he was our first-ever digital cover back in June 2018.Click hereto read that feature from genre expertHaleigh Foutch.
