Amanda Seyfried and Scoot McNairy Cast in Tim Blake Nelson-Directed Prison Break Thriller THE LIFE AND DEATHS OF WILSON SHEDD
Oscar nominee Amanda Seyfried (Mank, Les Misérables, The Crowded Room) and Scoot McNairy (Argo, 12 Years a Slave, A Complete Unknown) are set to star in The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd, a new prison break thriller written and directed by O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Captain America: Brave New World actor Tim Blake Nelson, who previously helmed Leaves of Grass and Anesthesia, as well as Amazon’s Z: The Beginning of Everything starring Christina Ricci.
Currently in production in Georgia, the film follows a teacher in an abusive marriage who takes a job at a maximum security prison, where she falls for a charismatic inmate. The disastrous consequences call into question not only the nature of punishment and retribution, but the very limits of our humanity.
Nelson said of the project, “I feel deeply fortunate to be able to tell this story with such an extraordinary lead cast. I have always admired Amanda, and getting to work with her on Mona Fastvold’s film ANN LEE last summer confirmed for me what an extraordinary person she is aside from her talent.
“As for Scoot, it’s great to be able to offer him such a demanding part. No one has seen him do what he’s about to accomplish in this role. It will be magnificent to be on set with these two performers.”
Noting that The Life and Death marks his third film set in his home state of Oklahoma, “a place I love,” Nelson added, “It’s a difficult story, but also one meant to grab its audience and not let go. We’ve assembled a cast and crew of people dedicated to making something not only compelling but unforgettable.”
Oscar-nominated for her work in David Fincher’s Mank, Seyfried can currently be seen leading Peacock’s acclaimed Philadelphia cop series Long Bright River, based on the book by Liz Moore. Upcoming, she has Lionsgate thriller The Housemaid opposite Sydney Sweeney, Sony comedy My Ex-Friend’s Wedding, musical Ann Lee from the team behind The Brutalist, and an animated sequel series to Ted for Peacock.
Recently seen portraying Woody Guthrie in James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown, McNairy’s last year also included the films Nightbitch and Speak No Evil. Recently seen in Kate Beecroft’s Sundance 2025 drama East of Wall, his slate also includes survival thriller Die by Night and Netflix’s Man on Fire TV series.
Stay tuned for updates on this film as it moves into production.
via: Deadline
