A-List Ensemble: Paul Walter Hauser, Lili Reinhart, Tim Roth Headline Brian Swibel’s Comedic Thriller ‘The Very Best People’

Move over, quiet dramas—Hollywood's most eclectic talent is converging for one wild ride. In an exclusive reveal, Tony Award winner Brian Swibel has assembled a dream cast for his feature directorial debut, The Very Best People. The comedic thriller will see Paul Walter Hauser, Lili Reinhart, Tim Roth, Jake Lacy, Jai Courtney, and Kerry Bishé step into roles as mysterious as the plot itself.

Everything We Know About 'The Very Best People'

With a story shrouded in secrecy, The Very Best People promises to deliver tension and laughs in equal measure. Written by John Lavelle—who adapted his own play that premiered at IAMA theatre company in fall 2024—alongside Blades of Glory co-writer Craig Cox, the film's script is being kept tightly under wraps. All we know is that cameras start rolling in New York on May 22nd, and the ensemble is already generating serious buzz.

The project marks Triptyk Studios' first foray into narrative features, with Swibel at the helm. Producing alongside him are Brent Emery, Justin Klosky, Alex Peace-Power, Tara Smith, Bita Khorrami, and veteran casting director Bonnie Timmermann. Executive producers include Hauser, Reinhart, Dan Reardon, and Lisa Wolofsky.

The Stellar Ensemble

Each actor brings a distinct brand of intensity or charm to the project. Here's a closer look at the players:

• Paul Walter Hauser – Fresh off his Emmy-winning turn in Black Bird, Hauser has become known for transformative performances in I, Tonya, Richard Jewell, and Cruella. His ability to oscillate between comedy and drama makes him a perfect fit for this genre blend.
• Lili Reinhart – A star from the smash hit Riverdale, Reinhart has proven her range in films like Hustlers and the recently announced Hal & Harper. She's also a vocal mental health advocate, adding depth to her public persona.
• Tim Roth – A Quentin Tarantino regular (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs) and a master of seedy, complex characters, Roth's presence guarantees intensity. His recent work in The Song of Names and Tin Star shows he still commands the screen.
• Jake Lacy – After stealing scenes in The White Lotus and Being the Ricardos, Lacy has become the go-to for charming douchebags with hidden layers. He also impressed in Rampart and High Fidelity.
• Jai Courtney – Known for action roles in Suicide Squad, Divergent, and Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Courtney brings a physicality that can pivot into humor (see Terminator Genisys).
• Kerry Bishé – A standout in Halt and Catch Fire and Argo, Bishé has also shined in The Big Sick and Narcos: Mexico. Her dramatic gravitas will anchor the thriller elements.

Brian Swibel: From Broadway to Cannes

Swibel isn't a household name yet, but his résumé is staggering. The director is a two-time Cannes Film Festival selectee, including a spot in the prestigious Kodak Emerging Filmmaker series. As a producer, Swibel has worked on award-winning documentaries like Common Ground (Amazon) and Kiss the Ground (Netflix), as well as acclaimed HBO and Netflix specials from comedy legends Will Ferrell, John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, and Mike Birbiglia.

But his first love is the stage. Swibel is a Tony Award winner and seven-time nominee. He co-founded Triptyk Studios, whose theatrical productions include Moulin Rouge!, An Enemy of the People starring Jeremy Strong, and The Seagull starring Carey Mulligan. Now he's bringing that theatrical flair to film.

Why This Cast Works

What makes The Very Best People so intriguing is the chemistry that this cast promises. Hauser and Roth together could spark something darkly comic, while Reinhart and Lacy might offer a younger, more sardonic edge. Courtney and Bishé add physicality and poise. There's no clunky star power—each actor fits a puzzle we haven't yet seen.

The Script and Its Makers

John Lavelle's play premiered just last fall, and its quick adaptation suggests the material is hot. Lavelle is known for his sharp, dialogue-driven work. Co-writer Craig Cox (of the Cox brothers who wrote Blades of Glory) brings a knack for comedic timing. Together, they've crafted a story that blends laughs with a thriller's pacing.

The project is being shopped at the upcoming Cannes market by Upgrade's Jonathan Kier and Matt Brodlie, with UTA Independent Film Group handling North American rights. That international sales push signals high hopes for a festival premiere or wide distribution deal.

What's Next for the Cast

While the film remains mostly under wraps, the production start date is imminent. Filming in New York City—a character in itself—adds another layer of intrigue. Expect updates as set photos leak or the script's details slip.

For now, mark your calendars for what could be one of the most buzzed-about indie thrillers of 2025. With this cast and a director who knows how to balance prestige with popular appeal, The Very Best People is shaping up to be exactly that: the very best.

Stay tuned for more on this project as it unfolds. And if the secrecy is any indication, the final product will be worth the wait.

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