Jesse Eisenberg‘s latest film, musical comedy-drama The Debut, is set to close the 70th BFI London Film Festival.
The Oct. 18 closing night gala will be the U.K. premiere of the movie, with its writer-director expected to attend alongside his cast members.
Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Havana Rose Liu, Bernadette Peters, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy and Bonnie Milligan join Eisenberg in The Debut, following a shy woman (Moore) who is unexpectedly cast in a local production of an original musical. Under the spell of the strong-willed and enigmatic director (Giamatti), she loses herself in the role and the high-stakes world of this community theatre production.
Eisenberg returns to the London Film Festival following the premiere of A Real Pain in 2024, which nabbed him an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay.
“I am both honored and honoured to be bringing The Debut to the 70th BFI London Film Festival,” joked Eisenberg about the U.S.-U.K. spelling. “What a wonderful thrill to be the closing night gala, and I can’t wait to share the incredible performances by the cast with a London audience.”
Kristy Matheson, artistic director of the BFI London Film Festival, added: “We are thrilled to welcome writer-director Jesse Eisenberg back to the LFF to close the 70th edition of the festival with his deliriously funny and heartfelt film, The Debut. With its knockout performances and brilliantly sharp script, we’re excited to share this film, which will have audiences in its thrall and renewed by the joyous and soulful power of cinema.”
Last week, it was confirmed that this year’s BFI London Film Festival will open with the Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman-starring Elsinore, based on the life of late actor Ian Charleson. The 70th instalment runs from Oct. 7-18.
Lionsgate will release The Debut in U.K. cinemas on Jan. 15, 2027.
