What's Happening?
Jenna Ortega, a rapidly ascending star in Hollywood, is set to take the lead role in 'Lily May B', the next film by renowned French director Leos Carax. This project, announced at Cannes, marks Carax's follow-up to his acclaimed film 'Annette'. Scheduled
to begin filming in Spring 2027, 'Lily May B' will be Carax's seventh feature film and his first collaboration with Ortega. Known for her roles in 'Wednesday' and 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice', Ortega is transitioning into more art house cinema, as evidenced by her recent work in 'The Gallerist'. The film is described as a dystopian, surreal road movie, featuring a narrative about a girl, a young woman, and a boy on a journey through an apocalyptic world. The film is produced by Hugo Sélignac, a prominent figure in French cinema, under the Chi-Fou-Mi Productions banner.
Why It's Important?
This collaboration between Jenna Ortega and Leos Carax is significant as it represents a merging of Hollywood's emerging talent with European auteur cinema. For Ortega, this role could further solidify her status as a versatile actress capable of crossing over into different film genres and markets. For Carax, working with a young Hollywood star like Ortega could introduce his unique cinematic style to a broader audience, potentially increasing his influence in the international film industry. The film's production by Hugo Sélignac, known for his critically acclaimed works, adds further prestige and anticipation to the project. This development highlights the growing trend of cross-cultural collaborations in the film industry, which can lead to innovative storytelling and broadened audience reach.
What's Next?
The production of 'Lily May B' is set to commence in Spring 2027, with the rest of the cast expected to be announced in September. As the film progresses, it will be interesting to see how the collaboration between Ortega and Carax unfolds and how it is received by both critics and audiences. The film's unique narrative and visual style, as teased by Carax, suggest it could become a notable entry in the art house genre. Additionally, the film's release could impact Ortega's career trajectory, potentially opening up more opportunities in international cinema. The anticipation surrounding the film may also influence future collaborations between Hollywood and European filmmakers.











