Halle Bailey is stepping into a new musical venture, joining forces with Jesse Eisenberg for his upcoming directorial project at A24. The untitled musical comedy brings together an extraordinary ensemble including Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Havana Rose Liu, and Broadway legend Bernadette Peters, creating what industry insiders anticipate will be a powerful creative combination.
This project marks Eisenberg’s return to the director’s chair following his critically acclaimed film A Real Pain, which secured the Best Original Screenplay accolade at the 2025 Academy Awards. His directorial journey began with When You Finish Saving the World in 2023, which also featured Moore in a leading role, establishing their creative partnership.
Behind the narrative
The storyline revolves around Moore’s character, a woman described as reserved and introverted, who unexpectedly finds herself cast in a local community theater’s musical production. As the narrative unfolds, viewers will witness her transformation as she immerses herself deeply in the role, pushing boundaries and exploring the profound psychological impact of artistic expression.
The film promises to examine the transformative nature of performance art and how stepping into another persona can reveal hidden aspects of one’s own identity. This thematic exploration aligns with Eisenberg’s previous work, which often delves into complex character studies and psychological nuance.
Production details
The production boasts impressive backing, with Academy Award winner Emma Stone and her creative partner Dave McCary producing through Stone’s Fruit Tree banner. Ali Herting joins the producing team, while Topic Studios takes on executive production responsibilities, ensuring the project maintains artistic integrity while reaching commercial potential.
A24’s involvement as the distribution partner signals significant industry confidence in the creative direction. The independent entertainment company has established itself as a home for distinctive, auteur-driven projects that challenge conventional storytelling approaches while achieving critical acclaim.
Supporting ensemble
The supporting cast brings additional depth to the production with Eldar Isgandarov, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy, and Bonnie Milligan rounding out the ensemble. Each performer brings unique theatrical and cinematic experience to the project, creating a dynamic range of performances that complement the musical comedy format.
Industry analysts note that A24’s involvement signals confidence in the project’s artistic merit, as the studio continues its tradition of supporting distinctive voices in filmmaking. The combination of Eisenberg’s writing sensibilities with musical elements creates an intriguing premise that stands apart in the current film landscape.
Bailey’s expanding portfolio
For Bailey, this role represents another strategic career move following her breakthrough performances in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid and the musical drama The Color Purple. Her trajectory continues upward with a recently announced lead role opposite Regé-Jean Page in Universal Pictures’ forthcoming film Italianna.
Music remains central to Bailey‘s artistic expression, having first gained recognition as part of the musical duo Chloe x Halle before transitioning to screen roles that frequently showcase her vocal talents. This A24 musical comedy provides another platform for her to demonstrate the versatility that has made her one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young performers.
Industry implications
The project arrives at an interesting moment for movie musicals, which have experienced varied commercial success in recent years. With streamers and traditional studios alike seeking content that provides distinct viewing experiences, theatrical musical productions represent both creative risk and potential reward. Eisenberg’s approach to the genre, informed by his character-driven storytelling style, promises a fresh perspective.
While production timelines and release dates remain unannounced, the film has generated significant industry buzz based on the creative team and cast assembled. A24’s distribution strategy will likely position the film for both critical recognition and audience engagement, potentially including festival premieres before wider release.
This untitled musical comedy adds to A24’s diverse slate of projects, reinforcing the studio’s reputation for supporting filmmaker-driven content across genres. As production moves forward, additional details regarding musical compositions, choreography, and visual style will likely emerge, providing further insight into Eisenberg’s vision for this unique theatrical story.
