Mahershala Ali to Star Opposite Julia Roberts in Netflix Film LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND With Sam Esmail Set to Write and Direct
Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Green Book) has signed on to star in the Netflix film Leave the World Behind opposite Oscar-winner Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich). Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot) is on board to direct and adapt the script. Netflix landed the hot project last year when Denzel Washington was circling the role opposite Roberts, which is now the role Ali will play. The film will be produced by Roberts through her Red Om Films banner and Esmail and Chad Hamilton through Esmail Corp.
Based on Rumaan Alam’s novel, the film, Leave the World Behind is a story about two families, strangers to each other, who are forced together on a long weekend gone terribly wrong. Suspenseful and provocative, Alam’s third novel is keenly attuned to the complexities of parenthood, race, and class. Leave the World Behind explores how our closest bonds are reshaped—and unexpected new ones are forged—in moments of crisis.
The film’s production date has not yet been set, but the talent signed on is enough to get me pretty excited about this project. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more info, and we will keep you posted.
via: Deadline