Production is underway in Los Angeles for the thriller film Tyrant, written and directed by David Weil, and the film has added several new actors to its cast.
The film’s cast is growing with the addition of Paapa Essiedu, known for his role in the Harry Potter TV series, Hudson Williams from Heated Rivalry, musician Omar Apollo, and fashion influencer Nara Smith. They join previously announced stars Charlize Theron, Julia Garner, and Demi Moore.
Deadline reports the movie is a tense, thrilling story, similar to films like Wall Street and Whiplash, and takes place in the competitive world of high-end restaurants in New York City.
This film marks the directorial debut of Weil, who has previously worked as a writer and director on shows like Hunters, Solos, Invasion, and Citadel.
Ashley Walters, known as Essiedu, will portray Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter series. He recently appeared in the BBC series ‘Babies’ with Siobhán Cullen.
Essiedu explained to TopMob that working on such different projects – one fantastical, one realistic – had its similarities and differences. He noted that creating a believable, lived-in environment is a major focus on the realistic project, from set design to costumes, which contrasts with the approach to fantasy.
No matter what we’re working on, we always aim to find something genuine, honest, and believable at its core.
He explained that while the general approach was similar, the new series, Babies, felt more like a natural observation. The cameras were less intrusive, staying further back and simply observing, rather than using dramatic angles or drone shots.
Both approaches were challenging and required a lot of talent. I don’t think either one was simpler or more effective than the other, but we were all united in our vision for how to tell this story.
Williams, known for their breakout role in Heated Rivalry, is set to appear in the upcoming Netflix series, The Altruists. The show will dramatize the downfall of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange and also features actors Garner, Anthony Boyle, Matt Rife, and Alex Lawther.
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Authors
James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, a global TV production company. He has a BA degree in English and Theatre Studies, as well as a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
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2026-04-28 12:36