Acclaimed actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal have officially signed on to star in Hold On To Your Angels, the highly anticipated new project from visionary director Benh Zeitlin. Zeitlin, known for his masterful work on Beasts of the Southern Wild, has spent years developing this script, which is described as a "lyrical and expansive" exploration of faith and survival. The pairing of Buckley and Mescal, two of the most sought-after talents in modern cinema, has immediately placed the production at the top of industry “must-watch" lists for the 2027 award season.
The film's plot is reportedly a departure from Zeitlin’s previous fantasy-leaning work, focusing instead on a grounded but visually poetic story set in the rural landscapes of the American Midwest. Production is slated to begin this autumn, with a focus on capturing the changing seasons as a narrative element. Both lead actors are known for their intense, emotionally resonant performances, and fans are eager to see the chemistry between Buckley’s raw versatility and Mescal’s quiet, powerful screen presence under Zeitlin’s unique directorial style.
Major studios and independent distributors are already in a bidding war for the worldwide rights, given the high prestige associated with the cast and director. This project marks Mescal's third major collaboration this year, following his work on the Gladiator sequel and All of Us Strangers, further solidifying his status as a leading man. As the project enters pre-production, the film is being hailed as a potential masterpiece that could redefine the "modern epic" through its focus on intimate human connection within a vast, sweeping landscape.