Sydney Sweeney stars in reimagining of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death, David O. Russell directs for Apple, and Charli XCX oversees project for A24
The Masque of the Red Death (A24)
Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria, Anyone But You) will star in a new darkly comedic reimagining of the Edgar Allen Poe short story The Masque of the Red Death. The original Poe short story follows a Prince Prospero who attempts to avoid a dangerous plague by hiding in his abbey. In this new version of the tale, his sister Margarita is exiled while succumbing to the disease, and her identity is eventually adopted by her long-lost twin sister. This trickster returns to the castle to discover Margarita was despised by the royal court, and she soon sees deception and danger behind every corner. Charlie Polinger, currently in post-production for his feature film debut The Plague (starring Joel Edgerton) will direct with A24 producing. Filming begins in New York City in early March.
Bananas (Apple TV+)
Carolina Paiz (Orange is the New Black, Narcos) will write and executive produce a new high-profile series for Apple TV+ with stars Oscar Isaac (Moon Knight, Scenes From a Marriage) and Ana de Armas (Knives Out, Blonde). While the plot has mostly remained under wraps, the working title refers to so-called banana republics, a term used to describe politically and economically unstable countries in areas such as Central America. The series will bring on celebrated director David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle) to direct several episodes and executive produce. Filming begins in Los Angeles in early March.
The Moment (A24)
Pop star Charli XCX, fresh off her successful 2024 Brat album release, will produce and star in a movie based on her own idea. Scottish photographer and filmmaker Aidan Zamiri will make his feature film directorial debut, and he previously collaborated with Charli XCX on her “360” and “Guess” music videos. Brat producer A.G. Cook will create the score, and filming is schedule to begin in Los Angeles on March 3.
