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Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley Reunite in New Film

Acclaimed actors Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley are officially reuniting for a major new film project that is already generating awards-season buzz across Hollywood.

The pair will star together in Hold On To Your Angels, a new outlaw romance written and directed by Benh Zeitlin, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind Beasts of the Southern Wild. The upcoming movie marks Zeitlin’s long-awaited return to feature filmmaking following his divisive 2020 fantasy drama Wendy.

Industry insiders say the project is expected to become one of the hottest titles introduced at this month’s Cannes market, where international buyers will compete for distribution rights.

A New Outlaw Romance Set in Louisiana

According to early details, Hold On To Your Angels will be set along the crumbling bayous of South Louisiana.

The story follows a “hell-bound outlaw” played by Mescal and a “ferocious shepherd of lost souls” portrayed by Buckley. Their intense relationship unfolds as the world around them slowly collapses. The film has been described as a catastrophic outlaw romance with strong emotional and environmental themes.

Zeitlin called the project “the most impossible love story” he has ever witnessed. He also described the film as “a love letter to an endangered way of life” and a broader reflection on empathy during a fractured period in modern society.

The setting is expected to echo the magical realism and naturalistic filmmaking style that helped make Beasts of the Southern Wild one of the most celebrated indie films of the last decade.

The Reunion After Hamnet

The project reunites Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley shortly after their acclaimed collaboration in Hamnet.

The historical drama, directed by Chloé Zhao, became one of the most critically praised films of 2025. Buckley’s performance as Agnes Shakespeare earned widespread acclaim and eventually helped secure major awards recognition.

Following the success of Hamnet, both actors have become two of the most sought-after performers in international cinema.

Mescal previously gained worldwide recognition for his breakout role in the television adaptation of Normal People before transitioning into major film roles including Aftersun and Gladiator II.

Meanwhile, Buckley has steadily built one of the strongest careers among modern Irish actors through acclaimed performances in projects such as The Lost Daughter, Women Talking, and The Bride!.

Their chemistry in Hamnet reportedly played a major role in attracting attention to Hold On To Your Angels.

Benh Zeitlin’s Hollywood Return

For many film fans, the announcement also represents a significant comeback for Benh Zeitlin.

Zeitlin became an overnight sensation after the release of Beasts of the Southern Wild in 2012. The independent drama earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Critics praised the film’s poetic storytelling, emotional depth, and unique visual style.

However, his follow-up film Wendy struggled commercially and critically after years of production delays.

Since then, many industry observers questioned whether Zeitlin would return to directing major feature films. The announcement of Hold On To Your Angels therefore marks a major moment in the filmmaker’s career.

Several entertainment publications described the project as Zeitlin’s most ambitious film since Beasts of the Southern Wild.

The Louisiana setting also connects closely to themes explored in his earlier work, particularly environmental collapse, disappearing communities, and emotional survival amid social hardship.

Produced by Plan B Entertainment

The movie will reportedly be produced by Plan B Entertainment, the production company co-founded by Brad Pitt.

Plan B has become one of Hollywood’s most respected production studios over the past two decades. The company previously backed acclaimed films including Moonlight, 12 Years a Slave, and The Big Short.

According to reports, award-winning producer Alex Coco is also attached to the project.

The involvement of Plan B immediately increased industry attention surrounding the film, especially given the company’s history of supporting prestige dramas and awards contenders.

Cannes Market Could Spark Major Bidding War

One of the biggest developments surrounding Hold On To Your Angels is its planned presentation at the Cannes market.

Entertainment insiders believe the combination of Mescal, Buckley, Zeitlin, and Plan B could trigger a significant bidding war among studios and streaming platforms.

The Cannes market has increasingly become one of the most important places for independent filmmakers to secure international financing and distribution agreements.

Given the current popularity of Mescal and Buckley, several analysts believe the project could become one of the standout acquisitions of the festival season.

Streaming companies are reportedly searching aggressively for prestige dramas capable of earning awards recognition while also attracting younger audiences. Both actors appeal strongly to younger viewers while maintaining credibility among critics and film festivals.

Why Hollywood Is Excited About the Project

The excitement around Hold On To Your Angels reflects broader trends in modern cinema.

Hollywood studios and independent financiers continue searching for emotionally driven prestige films anchored by major acting talent. Mescal and Buckley currently represent two of the most respected younger performers working in international film.

At the same time, audiences increasingly support visually ambitious dramas with strong artistic identity.

Benh Zeitlin’s filmmaking style blends realism with dreamlike imagery, creating emotionally immersive experiences that stand apart from conventional studio productions.

That combination could help Hold On To Your Angels become one of the most anticipated independent films currently in development.

Several critics already compared the project’s tone to the lyrical storytelling found in Terrence Malick’s films.

Production Timeline and Release Expectations

Current reports indicate that production on Hold On To Your Angels is expected to begin in early 2027.

No official release date has been announced yet.

However, given the prestige attached to the project, industry observers believe the movie could target major international film festivals following completion.

The production schedule may also depend on the busy calendars of Mescal and Buckley, both of whom remain attached to multiple upcoming projects.

Mescal continues developing several high-profile films, including Merrily We Roll Along from Richard Linklater.

Buckley, meanwhile, has become one of the industry’s busiest performers following her recent awards success.

A Film Already Generating Awards Buzz

Although filming has not started yet, Hold On To Your Angels is already generating early awards speculation.

The reunion between Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley alone has created enormous interest among film fans and critics.

Combined with Benh Zeitlin’s emotional storytelling style and Plan B’s involvement, the project appears positioned as a serious prestige contender long before cameras begin rolling.

For now, audiences will have to wait for more details about casting, distribution, and release plans.

Still, one thing is already clear: Hold On To Your Angels has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most closely watched upcoming films.