A few months ago, Glen Powell joined JJ Abrams’ next film, taking the lead role. Now, Deadline is reporting that Jenna Ortega has been added to the cast. Abrams wrote the script and his Bad Robot is producing.
Plot details are being kept secretive, and a production start date hasn’t been revealed. However, a recent Production Weekly listing had Abrams’ film going by the name of “Acorns,” and the plot revolving around “a young married couple struggling to survive against a supernatural entity.” Abrams’ reps couldn’t confirm or deny the info.
Here’s THR describing the Powell-Ortega pair up:
Both stars are seen by the industry as box office draws, able to bring younger moviegoers into theaters.
Powell is everywhere these days. His breakout turn in “Top Gun: Maverick” opened up many doors for the Texan-born actor. After starring in the hit romcom “Anyone But You,” he released two films this summer: Richard Linklater’s acclaimed “Hit Man” and “Twisters.” He also has upcoming roles in John Patton Ford’s “Huntington” and Edgar Wright’s "Running Man” remake.
Meanwhile, Ortega became a household name with Netflix’s “Wednesday” series and the recent “Scream” revival. She’s also starring in Tim Burton’s upcoming ‘Beetlejuice’ sequel. Is she actually a box-office draw? I have my doubts about that. She tends to smartly attach herself to the right IP projects.
As for Abrams, it does look like he’s coming back to directing. He hasn’t helmed a film in over four years. He’s also had a few TV projects get canned. Abrams mostly produces now, if even that. Recently, the UK’s Telegraph claimed that he was in “director’s jail.” He’s about to get bailed out.
Abrams is the creator of acclaimed shows such as “Felicity,” “Alias” and “Lost.” Then he “graduated” into film and directed “Mission: Impossible 3,” “Star Trek,” and “Super 8,” among others. He was once dubbed as “the next Spielberg.”
Last we heard from him, he oversaw Disney’s controversial ‘Star Wars’ trilogy, directing two of the films (“The Force Awakens” and “Rise of Skywalker”) and, in the process, infuriating the fanbase.