JJ Abrams’ new film has cast its lead star. Abrams is best known as producer of the acclaimed science fiction series Lostbut he also directed several important films of the genre. This included Mission Impossible III, Star Trek, Super 8and Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. More recently, an untitled Abrams film was announced in development at Warner Bros. already attached to the project include Twisted and Anyone but youGlen Powell and Wednesday Jenna Ortega.
Now, The Hollywood Reporter announced a new cast member added to Abrams’ film. That cast member will be Emma Mackey. Mackey is said to play the film’s female lead, but the nature of her role is still under wraps. The plot of Abrams’ film has also not been confirmed, although it does not involve time travel, contrary to initial reports. The project is expected to begin filming early next year.
What this means for the JJ Abrams project
All three actors have fans
While very little information has been revealed about the nature of this project, the film now features an exciting combination of lead actors. Although their fame levels vary, Powell, Ortega and Mackey are stars whose careers have really taken off more in recent years. Now, they are all well established in their fields and will therefore attract more existing fans to this film. Still, the Abrams project will be a good opportunity for them to further consolidate themselves as A-listers.
Mackey’s casting is particularly notable for the actor who is arguably the group’s smallest-name star. She had her breakthrough role playing Maeve in the renowned Netflix series Sex Education. Mackey later appeared in the biggest movie of 2023, Barbiealthough she had a rather small supporting role playing a Barbie in a larger ensemble. 2024 has been slow for Mackey as she isn’t attached to any projects, but as a result, Abrams’ film could help boost her career.
Our opinion on this cast
Mackey has never appeared in science fiction before
In some ways, Mackey’s casting presents a relatively uncertain factor in Abrams’ film. Considering that both Powell and Ortega have shown their strength in multiple genres, Mackey’s career thus far has been mostly relegated to the space of drama and comedy. As a result, no one has seen what she can do in a film that likely leans more towards a sci-fi element given the connection to Abrams. She has proven herself to be a great actress in her career so far, but it remains to be seen whether she can be a successful genre film leading lady.
Source: THR