Full Breakdown
Chris Evans Replaces Josh Brolin in Crime Thriller “My Darling California”
4/29/2026, 8:05:13 PM
Casting Update
Chris Evans has been confirmed for the crime thriller *My Darling California*, stepping in for Josh Brolin, who left due to scheduling conflicts. The ensemble now includes Jessica Chastain, Chris Pine, Mikey Madison, Charles Melton, Don Cheadle, and Evans. Set in 1980 Los Angeles, the plot follows a TV host, his restless wife, a country-music idol, two small-time crooks and an ex-con whose lives converge after a single crime. Evans’ casting creates the first on-screen pairing with Pine.
Production Details
Writer-director Elijah Bynum returns after *Hot Summer Nights* (Timothée Chalamet) and *Magazine Dreams* (Jonathan Majors), the latter later clouded by Majors’ 2023 assault conviction. *My Darling California* is fully financed by Anton, with international sales slated for Cannes. Producers David Hinojosa, Alex Coco and Sébastien Reybaud lead the effort, and Zach Nutman serves as executive producer. Evans’ recent critical record includes *Materialists* (78 % RT) and *Sacrifice* (38 % RT) after five straight below-fresh films, contrasting with earlier hits *Avengers: Endgame* (94 % RT) and *Knives Out* (97 % RT).
Timeline
Fall 2025 saw the original cast announced with Brolin attached. In early 2026 Brolin withdrew and Evans was confirmed in April 2026. Principal photography is slated for late summer/September 2026, and Anton will present the film at the May 2026 Cannes market.
Official Statements
Production notes confirm filming for late summer/September, with Anton handling both financing and Cannes-market sales. The producers say the film aims to “weave together disparate characters through a single crime” and capture the “promise of a better life” in 1980s Los Angeles.
Criticism & Opposition
Industry observers note Evans’ string of poorly received titles, suggesting he may be using a non-franchise vehicle to restore his critical standing. Bynum’s prior controversy over Majors also shadows the project, while Evans’ upcoming return in *Avengers: Doomsday* raises questions about his focus on this independent film.
Verbatim Quotes
- “how a single crime weaves together the lives of a TV host, his restless wife, a country music idol, two small-time crooks and an ex-con, all of whom are chasing the promise of a better life.” — *My Darling California* logline
- “Evans takes over from previously announced Josh Brolin in the movie, with the latter dropping out due to scheduling.” — Deadline
- “Filming is being lined up for late summer/September.” — Deadline
- “Anton is fully financing the film and will continue international sales on the project at the upcoming Cannes market.” — Deadline
What’s Next
Principal photography begins September 2026, followed by a Cannes preview and international sales push. No release date is set, but the period setting and star-studded cast position the film as a potential awards-season contender.
