AFM: Judy Greer, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman to Star in Dark Comedy ‘Chili Finger’ (Exclusive)
Judy Greer, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston and John Goodman have all signed on to star in the upcoming dark comedy feature Chili Finger, with first-timers Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad to co-direct. Helstad wrote the script and Goodman is an executive producer. Additional castmembers Sarah Herrman and Paul Stanko are currently attached, with production slated to begin next spring. The film is produced by Beyond the Porch and Gold Tree Studios.
Chili Finger tells the story of a recently empty-nested mother (Greer) who discovers a human finger in her bowl of fast-food chili. When she blackmails the restaurant for a cash payout, the situation spirals out of control and her life descends into chaos.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
So far, Astin, Cranston and Goodman’s characters are being kept under wraps.
“We couldn’t ask for a better cast to bring our quirky dark comedy to the big screen,” said co-directors Benda and Helstad. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share a sensational slice of Midwest life with audiences worldwide,” they added.
Sam Sandweiss (Darkwell Entertainment), Tim Chonacas (Gold Tree Studios) and Jo Henriquez are producing. Chili Finger is being introduced to worldwide distribution during the American Film Market in Las Vegas, with Moonstone Entertainment representing the film internationally and Gersh handling domestic.
Greer, whose career has spanned over 200 credits on TV and film, will next be seen in the second season of the Apple TV+ series The Last Thing He Told Me, where she reunites with 13 Going on 30 co-star Jennifer Garner. Her other upcoming projects include the Lionsgate films The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and The Long Walk, the untitled Jason Keller Apple TV+ series opposite Owen Wilson, and the Rob Burnett independent In Memoriam as Marc Maron’s ex-wife. Astin, an Oscar nominee for his work in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, will make his Broadway debut this holiday season as Santa in Elf: The Musical.
Goodman will next be seen in Alejandro G. I?àrritu’s untitled film for Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment, while Breaking Bad star Cranston will soon star in Everything’s Going to Be Great opposite Allison Janney. Cranston is also set to begin production on Barry Levinson’s Assassination opposite Al Pacino, Jessica Chastain and Brendan Fraser, and Mark Pellington’s Lone Wolf opposite Lily Gladstone.
Greer is represented by Artists First, CAA and Felker Toczek Suddleson. Astin is represented by Stewart Talent, WME, Luber Roklin Entertainment and Brecheen Feldman. Cranston is represented by UTA and Johnson Shapiro. Goodman is represented by Gersh, Frankfurt Kurnit and Shafran PR.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
