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Paul Bettany is set to play an ageing popstar in upcoming feel-good comedy “It’s Alright,” which he also co-wrote.
The “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” and “VisionQuest” star will appear alongside fast-rising
actor and musician Asha Banks (“My Fault: London,” “Your Fault: London”) as his estranged daughter and aspiring singer-songwriter.
Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech,” “A Single Man”) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (“Fuze,” “Surface”) are also set to star in “It’s Alright,” written by Scott Stewart and Bettany and described as being about the “power of music to inspire, heal our hearts and unite family.” Stewart (“Dark Skies”) directs, reuniting with Bettany following both “Legion” and “Priest.”
Protagonist Pictures is launching international sales on the project ahead of the American Film Market (AFM), with CAA Media Finance repping U.S. rights. Production is scheduled to begin early 2027.
The original soundtrack will be produced by the BAFTA-winning music producer Marius de Vries, whose credits include “La La Land,” “Moulin Rouge!” and “CODA” and will be released by Universal Music. Though not a musical, “It’s Alright” is described as “brimming” with original songs performed by Banks, Bettany, and other artists joining the cast. Banks will also write original songs for the film.
“It’s Alright” follows fading pop star Peter Sayer (Bettany), on the edge of financial ruin when a bombshell letter spurs him to meet his 19-year-old daughter who has no idea he exists. He watches Georgie (Banks) perform in her hometown, with her raw electrifying talent, but afterwards in a blind panic, he poses as a music producer. Peter takes her back to London with the promise to collaborate on her demo and, as their creative partnership flourishes, Georgie ends up helping Peter turn around his struggling comeback. As Peter is pressured away from his musical vision by the industry mogul backing him, he must choose between commercial success and protecting the magic he and his daughter created together.
“At its heart, ‘It’s Alright’ is a story about second chances and the extraordinary power of music to bring people together,” said Stewart. “Paul and I wanted to tell a story that is funny, moving and full of life, about two people who find their way back to themselves through each other. With Paul and Asha bringing both their acting talent and musical instincts to these characters, an incredible supporting cast, and Marius de Vries shaping the soundtrack, we have all the ingredients to make something truly special. I can’t wait to bring it to the screen.”
“It’s Alright” is produced by Raindog Films and Pacesetter Productions, with Trish D Chetty (Raindog), Ged Doherty (Raindog) and Jessica Rhoades (Pacesetter) producing. Alison Mo Massey, Bettany and Hélène Theodoly serve as executive producers. Protagonist Pictures’ Dave Bishop, George Hamilton and James Pugh are executive producers.
“Being a part of a project where film and music can come together so seamlessly is a real dream come true,” said Banks, who recently appeared in Variety‘s Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, has three EP’s under her belt and over 45 million Spotify streams to date (including tracks for “Off Campus,” “My Fault: London” and “Your Fault: London”). “Georgie is unlike any character I’ve played and writing her music for ‘‘IT’S ALRIGHT’ has been the most fulfilling creative challenge. I can’t wait to bring my two passions together on set and work with Paul and the rest of this truly unbelievable cast!”
Added Protagonist’s Dave Bishop: “We’re thrilled to be launching sales on ‘It’s Alright’ at AFM which has all the ingredients to be an instant classic and connect with audiences worldwide. Filled with heart, emotion and incredible original songs, Paul Bettany and Asha Banks will bring to life these two lost souls who save each other through their music. On top of her recent film success, Asha’s music career is in overdrive as one of Universal Music Group’s most exciting new talents. Films that genuinely have true warmth, heart and feel good magic are rare treasures, ‘It’s Alright’ has it all.”
Paul Bettany is represented by UTA and Affirmative Entertainment. Asha Banks is represented by Sarah Camlett at Independent Talent Group and Will Harper of Sequoia Music Management, and ACE PR Colin Firth is represented by Independent Talent (U.K.), CAA (U.S.) and Prosper (publicity). Gugu Mbatha-Raw is represented by CAA, Curtis Brown, Anonymous Content and Public Eye Communications.
