THE BIG FRAME
Get ready for Cord Jefferson’s first-time foray into directing with ‘American Fiction,’ set to steal the spotlight at the forthcoming Toronto International Film Festival. The initial snapshots shared offer an exciting peek into the vivacious universe Jefferson has crafted, filled with heavy-hitters like Jeffrey Wright, Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross, Leslie Uggams, Sterling K. Brown, and Erika Alexander.
‘American Fiction’ centers around a beleaguered author, portrayed by Wright, who uses a pseudonym to tackle deeply ingrained stereotypes.
Deep Dive into ‘American Fiction’
Coming soon to a screen near you, ‘American Fiction’ has Jeffrey Wright portraying a wordsmith pushing against societal boundaries. Ahead of its premiere, we’ve been treated to some tantalizing visuals that hint at the entertaining narrative that awaits.
The released snapshots are a tour through Jefferson’s dynamic and exuberant universe. One captures Issa Rae engrossed in a book, presumably during an interview. Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Uggams share a heartwarming moment around a dining table in another. Additionally, candid moments featuring Sterling K. Brown, as well as a casual stroll with Wright and Erika Alexander, add to the intrigue.
The Core of ‘American Fiction’
Described as a cinematic work that tackles “our society’s fixation on boiling people down to offensive caricatures,” the film explores the life of a frustrated author (Wright). Tired of the clichés and harmful narratives pushed by mainstream outlets profiting off “Black” stories, he decides to write under an alias. However, life throws him a curveball when his exaggerated novel catapults him straight into the “epicenter of the very duplicity and lunacy he aims to criticize.”
Who Else is on Board?
Don’t underestimate the powerhouse cast—it extends beyond the names we’ve dropped. The ensemble also includes John Ortiz and Adam Brody, though their roles remain shrouded in mystery. With Jefferson’s sharp wit (he’s penned fan favorites like Watchmen, Succession, and The Good Place, in case you didn’t know), coupled with a phenomenal lineup of actors, ‘American Fiction’ is setting itself up to be the talk of the town. The film is adapted from the novel Erasure by Percival Everett and is produced by a stellar team including Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Jefferson, and Jermaine Johnson. The executive production team also features big names like Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman, and Percival Everett.
Save the Dates
Hold your popcorn! ‘American Fiction’ will officially debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 8. But don’t fret if you can’t make it to Canada; it will hit select cinemas on November 3 and expand nationwide on November 17. To whet your appetite until then, you can catch the recently revealed photos below:
Image via Orion Pictures
Image via Orion Pictures
Image via Orion Pictures
And there you have it! If the snapshots and premise are anything to go by, ‘American Fiction’ is gearing up to offer a flavorful mix of satire, drama, and culture critique. So, get ready to sink your teeth into this juicy narrative feast!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about American Fiction
When is ‘American Fiction’ set to premiere?
‘American Fiction’ is scheduled to make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 8. Following that, it will be in select theaters on November 3 and will expand throughout the country on November 17.
Who stars in ‘American Fiction’?
The film boasts a star-studded cast including Jeffrey Wright, Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross, Leslie Uggams, Sterling K. Brown, and Erika Alexander. Additional cast members like John Ortiz and Adam Brody are also part of the project, though their roles are not yet disclosed.
What is the movie about?
The film centers around a frustrated novelist, played by Jeffrey Wright, who is tired of harmful stereotypes prevalent in “Black” entertainment. To make a statement, he writes a book under a pen name that ends up throwing him into the very cycle of hypocrisy he wishes to expose.
Who is the director of ‘American Fiction’?
The film marks the directorial debut of Cord Jefferson, who is also known for his writing credits on shows like Watchmen, Succession, and The Good Place.
Is the movie based on a book?
Yes, the film is adapted from the novel ‘Erasure’ by Percival Everett.
Who are the producers and executive producers of the film?
The film is produced by Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson, and Jermaine Johnson. The executive producers include Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman, and Percival Everett.
Where can I see the promotional images for ‘American Fiction’?
The promotional images have been released and can be found through various media outlets, usually accompanied by articles previewing the film.
What genres does ‘American Fiction’ fall under?
The film is a comedy-drama that also serves as a cultural critique, challenging stereotypes and societal norms.
Will the movie have a nationwide release?
Yes, after premiering in select theaters on November 3, the film will expand to a nationwide release on November 17.
What else has Cord Jefferson worked on?
Cord Jefferson has an impressive resume with writing credits on fan-favorite shows like Watchmen, Succession, and The Good Place. ‘American Fiction’ is his directorial debut.
More about American Fiction
- Official Toronto International Film Festival Website
- Jeffrey Wright’s IMDb Profile
- Cord Jefferson’s IMDb Profile
- ‘Erasure’ by Percival Everett on Goodreads
- Orion Pictures Official Website
- Article on Cord Jefferson’s Previous Works
- Trailer for ‘American Fiction’ on YouTube
- ‘American Fiction’ Cast Details on Variety
- ‘American Fiction’ Release Dates and Venues
- Behind-the-scenes look at ‘American Fiction’ on Entertainment Weekly
10 comments
Nov 3 in select theaters? why not everywhere. The suspense is killin me!
Cord Jefferson directed this and also wrote for The Good Place? I’m in. This has got to be good.
that Cord Jefferson guy has written some of my fave shows. Watchmen was a masterpiece. High hopes for this one.
Sterling K. Brown too? Man, this cast is stacked! But why so secretive about Adam Brody and John Ortiz roles hmm
love the premise, fighting stereotypes in “black” entertainment? about time somebody did this.
Man, can’t wait for this! Jeffrey Wright is always awesome, and Cord Jefferson directing? This is gonna be fire.
Tracee Ellis Ross and Issa Rae in the same movie? I’m sold, take my money already lol.
Oh cool, it’s based on ‘Erasure’ by Percival Everett? That book was deep, hope the movie does it justice.
Jeffrey Wright as a frustrated novelist? Typecasting much? Jk, can’t wait to see this!
so it premieres at the Toronto festival. Guess I gotta book a ticket to Canada eh?