Lupita Nyong’o Heads for Christopher Nolan’s New Movie

Preview:

• Chris Nolan is adding yet more cast to his new movie.
• Lupita Nyong’o is now reportedly in the cast.
• She joins the likes of Matt Damon, Tom Holland and Zendaya.

As with lots of big movies that end up boasting giant, star-studded casts, there is a period of time known as the “drip feed” casting era, where sites break word of big names signing on to the project (or at least rumored, often leaked as a way for agents to push for better deals).

‘Oppenheimer’ director Christopher Nolan’s next movie is now at that stage, and we’ve already heard about the likes of Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya and Anne Hathaway joining his cast list.

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The Hollywood Reporter now brings word that ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ and ‘Black Panther’ franchise stalwart Lupita Nyong’o is the latest addition.

What’s the story of Christopher Nolan’s next film?

Writer, director, and producer Christopher Nolan on the set of ‘Oppenheimer.’

As with everything to do with Nolan, the title, plot and even genre are a mystery at this point. Nolan is not a man to release loglines easily, and his level of creative control means that, short of an unauthorized leak, no information will be out there until he’s ready.

There had been some chatter a few years ago about the writer/director looking at adapting cult British series ‘The Prisoner’ for the big screen, but this is apparently not that.

More recent rumors have pointed to a film inspired by movie and TV series ‘Blue Thunder,’ which was about a sophisticated police helicopter in Los Angeles. Yet Deadline’s sources say that idea is also off the mark (unless it’s a double bluff!)

Related Article: Zendaya and Anne Hathaway the Latest Additions to Christopher Nolan’s Next Film

What else is Lupita Nyong’o working on?

(L to R) Joseph Quinn as “Eric” and Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ from Paramount Pictures.

After seeing success with the ‘Quiet Place’ prequel movie earlier this year and then DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Wild Robot,’ the ever-booked and busy Nyong’o has a few projects either in development or about to kick off shooting.

She’s part of the cast for spacecraft-stealing comedy drama ‘Lunik Heist,’ which also stars Jared Leto and John Mulaney. ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ co-director Kemp Powers is overseeing that one.

Then there’s UFC drama ‘Strawweight,’ which has Chloë Grace Moretz also in its cast and James M. Johnston directing.

And you’ve got to figure if Ryan Coogler truly is figuring out a third ‘Black Panther’ movie (as hinted at by no less an actor than Denzel Washington recently), that Nyong’o would be back for that.

Which studio will distribute Nolan’s new film?

Christopher Nolan accepts the Oscar® for Directing during the live ABC telecast of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Phil McCarten ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

While the filmmaker had been based for years at Warner Bros., the company’s decision to put much of its 2020 slate on streaming saw him take his business elsewhere.

The rights to ‘Oppenheimer’ were put up for auction, a bidding battle that Universal ultimately won and reaped the rewards when the movie became a huge sensation.

Nolan was clearly happy without things worked out in collaboration with the studio, as he’s gone right back to it for this new project, which, like ‘Oppenheimer,’ will shoot in the IMAX format.

When will Chris Nolan’s next movie be in theaters?

Universal and IMAX have planted a flag in a July 17th, 2026 release slot for the new movie.

Oscar® nominee Christopher Nolan arrives with Emma Thomason at the red carpet of the 96th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Credit/Provider: Nick Agro / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

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