Key Points

Harry Melling, known for his Harry Potter role, is set to star in Kantermir Balagov's first English-language film 'Butterfly Jam'. The movie explores the life of a teenager in New Jersey's Circassian community, focusing on family dynamics and personal growth. Balagov, a critically acclaimed Russian director, brings his distinctive storytelling to this unique narrative about a young man navigating complex family challenges. The film promises to be an intriguing exploration of cultural identity, family struggles, and personal transformation.

Key Points: Harry Melling Joins Kantermir Balagov's Debut English Film

  • Russian director Balagov makes English-language debut with 'Butterfly Jam'
  • Melling joins Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough in ensemble cast
  • Film explores Circassian community in New Jersey
  • Teenager's journey through family restaurant and wrestling aspirations
2 min read

Harry Melling joins Cannes winner Kantermir Balagov's debut English movie 'Butterfly Jam' cast

Harry Potter alum Harry Melling stars in Cannes winner Kantermir Balagov's first English-language film exploring Circassian community drama

"A story of a teenager confronting unexpected violence - Deadline"

Washington DC, April 9

Actor Harry Melling, who is known for his role of Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter franchise, is set to star opposite actors Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough in the upcoming film 'Butterfly Jam', reported Deadline.

The movie is being directed by Cannes prize-winner Kantermir Balagov, who is known for his Russian language films Beanpole and Closeness. The upcoming film marks the English debut for the Russian director.

The details of the characters are still not revealed by the makers.

According to Deadline, the movie is set against the backdrop of New Jersey's Circassian community, and it revolves around a teenager whose father and aunt run a struggling diner specializing in Circassian cuisine. When he's not helping out in the restaurant, the boy is training to become a professional wrestler.

But after one of his father's misguided schemes goes wrong, he is forced to take on board his father's failings as he finds himself confronted with a violence that will force him to grow up faster than he would like, reported Deadline.

Actor Melling is currently seen in the historical drama television series Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. The actor was also recently seen in Scott Cooper's 'The Pale Blue Eye', Joel Coen's 'The Tragedy of Macbeth', Netflix's Emmy winner 'The Queen's Gambit', and others.

The British actor will also be seen starring opposite Alexander Skarsgard in Harry Lighton's buzzed feature debut, Pillion, which will be released by A24 in the U.S. and Cornerstone internationally, reported Deadline.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that Harry Lighton, who directed the BAFTA-nominated short Wren Boys, has come on board to direct Pillion from his own script. The script is inspired by Adam Mars-Jones' 2019 novel Box Hill.

Melling plays Colin, a weedy wallflower who is letting life pass him by until he meets Ray (Skarsgard), an impossibly handsome leader of a motorbike club, who him on as his submissive.

Ray uproots Colin from his dreary suburban life and introduces him to a community of kinky, queer bikers, but as Colin dives deeper into Ray's world, he begins to question whether the life of a 24/7 submissive is really for him.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
Harry Melling has come so far from Dudley Dursley! His recent performances have been incredible. Can't wait to see him in this - the premise sounds really unique. 👏
M
Miguel T.
Interesting to see Balagov making his English debut. His Russian films are visually stunning but quite heavy. Wonder if he'll bring that same intensity to this project.
J
Jamie L.
The Circassian community setting is so refreshing! Hollywood needs more stories from underrepresented cultures. Hope they do it justice.
A
Alex R.
While I'm excited about the cast, I hope the story doesn't fall into clichés about immigrant struggles. The wrestling angle could be interesting if done right.
T
Tanya P.
Melling + Keoghan + Keough is such an unexpected but brilliant trio! Their chemistry could be amazing. Also curious about the Circassian cuisine aspect - food films always get me hungry 😋
D
Derek W.
Between this and Pillion, Harry Melling is booking some really interesting projects. Love seeing character actors get these complex roles. The wrestling/diner combo sounds wild in the best way!

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