As we gear up for the American Film Market (AFM), an exciting new thriller has been officially announced. Featuring a powerhouse cast, including this year’s Oscar winner Mikey Madison for Anora,, the film also stars the talented Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) and Oscar-nominee Josh Brolin (Avengers: Endgame). Adding to this impressive roster is none other than Chris Pine, renowned for taking on the role of Captain Kirk in the beloved Star Trek series.’
Deadline brings the details about this thrilling flick, titled My Darling California, crafted by writer-director Elijah Bynum, known for his work in Magazine Dreams. This project is set to blend elements of dark comedy with crime thriller, promising an exciting ride for its audience.’
The film unfolds in Los Angeles and captures how a single crime intricately entwines the stories of a TV host, his discontented wife, a country music star, two petty criminals, and an ex-con, all of whom are seeking a brighter future. Produced by David Hinojosa of 2AM, with Zach Nutman as the executive producer, production kicks off in 2026, backed by the collaborative efforts of 2AM and Anton.’
Supporting Bynum’s vision are an incredible crew that includes cinematographer Chase Irvin (BlacKkKlansman), editor Leslie Jones (The Master), production designer Judy Becker (The Brutalist), and costume designer Erin Benach (Drive). Bynum has previously gained recognition for his breakout success with the A24 film Hot Summer Nights, featuring Timothée Chalamet, and followed this up with Magazine Dreams in 2023, starring Jonathan Majors.’
David Hinojosa expressed excitement about bringing My Darling California to life, stating, “Elijah is one of the freshest talents in filmmaking today. With this exceptional cast, we can’t wait to realize his ambitious vision on screen.” Sebastian Raybaud from Anton echoed these sentiments, adding, “Elijah has crafted something electrifying, and we are proud to support his unique perspective. He knows how to combine emotional richness with grand cinematic scope, making My Darling California a remarkable work.”
Details on the roles of the cast members in My Darling California are still under wraps. Meanwhile, Chastain has been making waves with her recent Apple TV project, where she plays an undercover investigator d “The Savant.” This series, however, faced a pause in its premiere schedule initially set for September 26 following the tragic incident involving conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk. As of now, there’s no word on when it might get rescheduled.’
New Movie Announcement Follows Star Trek 4 Cancellation
Chris Pine’s casting in My Darling California comes only days after reports surfaced about the discontinuation of Star Trek 4. According to an analysis from Variety, the future of the Kelvin Timeline appears uncertain under the leadership of new Paramount CEO David Ellison.’
The article suggests, “There’s hope for a new Star Trek film, but the studio is moving away from the idea of resurrecting the original cast, including Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto from the J.J. Abrams’ reboot films.” Those earlier projects include the groundbreaking Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and Star Trek Beyond (2016).’
Set your sights for My Darling California, as it aims to roll into production next year!
