Jodie Comer Goes Wild: Taxidermy Musical 'Stuffed' to Open TIFF Discovery Lineup

Jodie Comer Unleashes Her Wild Side in 'Stuffed'

The Toronto International Film Festival just dropped a bombshell for its upcoming edition: Jodie Comer will star in a gloriously twisted musical about taxidermy. Titled Stuffed, the film is set to open the prestigious Discovery section on September 10, 2026. Directed and co-written by British filmmaker Theo Rhys, this feature promises to be a collision of love, death, and animal preservation—unlike anything you've seen before.

According to the festival program obtained via Screenshot (550).png, Stuffed is described as 'the year's most original, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt romance.' Comer will share the screen with Harry Melling, best known for his roles in Harry Potter and The Queen's Gambit. Together, they'll navigate a world where taxidermy isn't just a hobby—it's the catalyst for an unconventional love story.

This world premiere marks a bold move for Comer, who skyrocketed to fame as the psychopathic assassin Villanelle in Killing Eve. Since then, she's dazzled in The Last Duel, Free Guy, and her Tony-winning stage turn in Prima Facie. Now she's singing and dancing through a musical that dares to ask: Can you stuff your way into someone's heart?

TIFF's Discovery Section: A Launchpad for Visionaries

The Discovery program has long been the breeding ground for cinematic legends. As noted in Screenshot (550).png, past alumni include Alfonso Cuarón, Christopher Nolan, and Ildikó Enyedi. This year's 24-film lineup continues that tradition, spotlighting up-and-coming directors from every corner of the globe.

Among the highlights, Ancestors by David Turpin dives into the AIDS crisis in 1980s London—a raw, personal exploration of loss and resilience. Then there's Sung Kang's directorial debut Drifter, shifting gears from Fast & Furious stunt driving to intimate storytelling. And for fans of sharp satire, Head to Head by Ghasideh Golmakani takes aim at Iranian political absurdity.

Other Can't-Miss Titles in the Lineup

• Magazine – Alexandra Pechman's debut about a young intern caught in toxic power dynamics at a New York literary publication. World premiere.
• Voices – A Motown-infused period musical from former NFL player Deantè Gray. International premiere.
• Salvation – Tom Nicoll's commentary on online self-improvement culture. World premiere.
• In Waves – An animated feature fresh from Cannes, exploring grief and memory.
• Bedford Park – A Sundance hit now coming to Toronto.

The full list in Screenshot (550).png includes 24 films, with Stuffed as the opening night selection. Other notable world premieres include Krux by Tony Vahl, a moral panic portrait set in Germany and Poland; Drifter (UK); and Seventeen by Justin Ducharme (Canada).

Jodie Comer: From Emmy Darling to Taxidermy Queen

Comer's career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. After winning an Emmy for Killing Eve in 2019, she proved her range in Ridley Scott's historical epic The Last Duel alongside Matt Damon and Adam Driver. But Stuffed marks her first musical since a 2015 stage production of The Last of the Haussmans. The idea of her belting out tunes while surrounded by stuffed animals is exactly the kind of weird pivot that makes Hollywood exciting.

Co-star Harry Melling brings his own credentials: after shedding his Dudley Dursley persona, he's delivered chilling performances in The Pale Blue Eye and The Devil All the Time. Together, they're an unexpected duo—and that's precisely the point.

Behind the Scenes: Theo Rhys and the Birth of a Twisted Musical

Theo Rhys, a British import making his feature directorial debut, co-wrote Stuffed with an eye for blending macabre humor with genuine emotion. The film's premise—two people fall in love over a shared passion for taxidermy—could easily slip into gimmick territory, but TIFF's buzz suggests it's a heartfelt winner.

Rhys joins a long line of Discovery directors who've used the section as a springboard. As noted in Screenshot (550).png, the program has launched careers of Lav Diaz, Elegance Bratton, and Durga Chew-Bose. With Stuffed, Rhys is poised to become the next name on that list.

TIFF 2026: What to Expect

The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10 to 20, 2026. Alongside the Discovery lineup, the festival has already announced high-profile galas, special presentations, and the Platform section. But it's the Discovery program that often yields the most surprising gems—like Stuffed, which promises to be the talk of the town.

For those craving more details, the full list of 24 films is available in Screenshot (550).png. Highlights include A Common Story from Italy, Arne Goes to Space from Sweden, and We Are Born Good from Hong Kong. Each represents a fresh voice, a new perspective, and a chance to witness the future of cinema.

Whether you're a Jodie Comer stan, a musical lover, or just curious about taxidermy's romantic potential, Stuffed is the film that will have everyone talking. Get your TIFF tickets ready—this is one weird, wonderful ride you won't want to miss.

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