J.J. Abrams’new movie has cast its main star. Abrams is best known as a co-creator of theacclaimed sci-fi seriesLost, but he has also directed several major features in the genre. This includesMission Impossible III,Star Trek,Super 8, andStar Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. More recently, an untitled feature from Abrams was announced to be in development at Warner Bros. Stars already attached to the project includeTwistersandAnyone But You’s Glen Powell andWednesday’sJenna Ortega.
Now,The Hollywood Reporterhas announcedEmma Mackey has joined Abrams film.Mackey is said to play the female lead in the film, but the nature of her role is still under wraps. The plot of the Abrams movie has also not been confirmed, though it will reportedly not involve time travel, contrary to what initial reports indicated. The project is supposed to begin shooting in early 2025.
What This Means For The Abrams Project
All Three Actors Have Fan Bases
Though very little information has been revealed as to the nature of this project, the film now features an exciting combination of lead actors. While their levels of fame are variable,Powell, Ortega, and Mackey are all stars whose careers have really taken off within the last few years.Now, they are all established, they will help attract a greater audience to the film. Still, theAbrams projectwill be a good opportunity for them to further cement themselves as A-listers.
Mackey’s casting is particularly notable for the actor,who is arguably the smallest-name star of the bunch. She had her breakout role playingMaeve in the well-regarded Netflix seriesSex Education. Mackey later appeared in 2023’s biggest film,Barbie, though she had a fairly small supporting role as she played one Barbie within a larger ensemble. 2024 has been slow for Mackey, as she has not been attached to any projects, but as a result, the Abrams film can help boost her career.
Our Take On This Casting
Mackey Has Not Been In Sci-Fi Before
In some ways, casting Mackey presents a relatively uncertain factor in the Abrams film. Whereas both Powell and Ortega have shown their strength across a breadth of genres,Mackey’s career has been relegated mostly to the drama and comedy space.As a result, no one has seen what she can do in a film that likely leans more into a sci-fi element given theAbramstie-in. She has proven herself to be a great actor in her career so far, but whether she can be a successful genre film lead remains to be seen.
