Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Green and Maria Pedraza team up for 'Just Play Dead'

IANS May 14, 2025 411 views

Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green team up for the intriguing thriller 'Just Play Dead', directed by Gary Fleder. The film promises a captivating tangle of deception when Jackson's character fakes his death for an insurance payout, while Green plots to double-cross him. With a script by Dan Gordon, the ensemble cast includes Maria Pedraza, and production is set in the scenic Canary Islands. Highland Film Group manages international sales, promising a gripping narrative for a global audience.

"This film is provocative, sexy, and original, a perfect mix of clever storytelling and thrilling twists." - Gary Fleder
Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Green and Maria Pedraza team up for 'Just Play Dead'
Los Angeles, May 14: Hollywood actors Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Green and Maria Pedraza are joining the forces for the upcoming thriller 'Just Play Dead'. The film is directed by Gary Fleder, who is known for 'Homefront', 'Runaway Jury', 'Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead' and written by Dan Gordon.

Key Points

1

Samuel L. Jackson plays criminal mastermind Jack Wolfe

2

Eva Green portrays his scheming wife Nora

3

Maria Pedraza joins the star-studded ensemble cast

4

Highland Film Group handles international sales rights

Highland Film Group are handling international sales rights and launching the film in Cannes, reports 'Variety'.

In 'Just Play Dead', when wealthy criminal mastermind Jack Wolfe (Jackson) is cornered by the Feds, he plans to fake his own death and claim the $30 million life insurance payout with his “grieving” wife Nora (Green), while framing her surfer lover Chad for his murder. But Nora is cooking up a scheme of her own: kill Jack for real, frame Chad and keep the fortune for herself. As lies unravel, Nora and Jack scramble to outsmart one another, leaving one burning question: who will come out on top in this twisted game of life and death?

As per 'Variety', the film is a European co-production spearheaded by Head Gear Films’ Phil Hunt, who produces alongside Gemstone Films’ Valentin Dimitrov, Sagiv Diamant, Moshe Diamant and Gaby Whyte Hart, who also serves as the casting director.

'Just Play Dead' is executive produced by Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier for Highland Film Group.

“I’ve always been drawn to stories that defy categorization, that live somewhere between genres and challenge audiences to stay on their toes”, said Fleder. “With ‘Just Play Dead’, written by the immensely talented Dan Gordon, and starring Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green, I have the chance to return to that same rich, unpredictable territory. This film is provocative, sexy, and original, a perfect mix of clever storytelling and thrilling twists".

Highland Film Group is co-financing the film and handling international rights, with CAA Media Finance overseeing domestic rights. Production is set to begin this fall in the Canary Islands.

Highland Film Group CEO Fraser said, “Working with such incredible talents as Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green is truly an honor. Eva Green will deliver a captivating performance as the cunning and seductive wife to Samuel L. Jackson’s powerful kingpin in this intoxicating thriller”.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Samuel L. Jackson never disappoints! His intensity is perfect for this role. Eva Green as the scheming wife sounds like brilliant casting too. Hollywood thrillers with strong female leads are always welcome. Can't wait to see this in theaters! 🤩
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Priya M.
The plot sounds like a mix of Gone Girl and The Thomas Crown Affair. Hope it brings something fresh to the table. Indian audiences love smart thrillers - hope this releases here with good subtitles/dubbing options.
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Arjun S.
Shooting in Canary Islands means we'll get some stunning visuals at least. But I'm tired of the same old "rich people double-crossing each other" plots. Hollywood needs more original ideas - our Bollywood thrillers are doing better work these days!
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Neha T.
Eva Green is such an underrated actress! She brings such intensity to every role. The cat-and-mouse game between her and Samuel L. Jackson's character sounds delicious. Hope OTT platforms pick this up quickly for Indian viewers. 🎬
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see a European co-production with such big Hollywood names. The international film industry is becoming so interconnected. Maybe Indian producers should collaborate more on such projects - we have great stories to tell globally.
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Sanya R.
The director's previous work was decent but nothing extraordinary. Hope he steps up his game with such a stellar cast. The plot sounds fun though - perfect for a weekend watch with friends and popcorn! 🍿

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Tags:
Samuel L. Jackson Eva Green Maria Pedraza Just Play Dead Thriller