Joe Bird has been cast alongside Catherine Laga’aia in “Crashout,” a Gen Z satirical thriller from Australian production banner Deadhouse Films. Production is set to begin later this month.
Bird arrives at the project on the back of considerable momentum. His latest film, “Leviticus” – a queer horror title that premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival to strong critical notices – was acquired by Neon in a seven-figure deal and is set to screen at SXSW this month. He previously appeared in A24’s horror breakout “Talk to Me,” which took in over $90 million at the worldwide box office, and most recently featured in Warwick Thornton’s colonial-era Western “Wolfram,” which bowed in competition at this year’s Berlin Film Festival.
Rounding out the ensemble is Evelyn Sims in a potential breakout role. Laga’aia, previously unveiled by Variety as the film’s lead, is set to headline Disney’s upcoming live-action “Moana.”
“Crashout” is written and directed by Nick Annas and produced by Helen Tuck and Enzo Tedeschi at Deadhouse Films, which recently received two AACTA nominations. Executive producers are Deanne Weir of WeirAnderson Films, alongside Bobby Romia and Tianna Roberts of the newly formed Atypical Originals. Casting is by Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler at Chicken and Chips Casting.
Blue Finch Films is handling worldwide sales rights, excluding Australia and New Zealand. The U.K.-based sales company’s current slate also includes “Bowels of Hell,” a Rotterdam title from Oscar-winning production company RT Features; SXSW selection “Imposters”; and horror title “Dolly,” which opened theatrically through IFC earlier this month.
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