I Am Not Your Mother: Cannes Thriller Debut

"I Am Not Your Mother" is a psychological thriller in pre-production, slated for an international sales launch at Cannes. The plot follows Ollie (Ben Platt), a queer director with a murky past, who becomes fixated on Nora Dresden (Carrie Coon), an iconic actress seeking a comeback. Their collaboration spirals into a toxic game of control, blurring artist-muse boundaries. Craig Johnson directs and co-writes with Ryan O’Connell. Mighty Engine produces with Jared Ian Goldman and Zola Elgart Glassman. The film is co-financed by Unapologetic Projects and Working Barn.

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Director Craig Johnson, a Sundance Waldo Salt Award winner for "The Skeleton Twins," previously helmed "The Parenting" and "Alex Strangelove."

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The cast includes Carrie Coon (UTA), Ben Platt (CAA, Immersive Management, Untitled Entertainment, Jackoway Austen), and Lukas Gage (WME, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Goodman, Genow). Co-writer Ryan O’Connell joins the team. Mister Smith Entertainment handles international sales, led by SVP Shane Kelly; Mighty Engine produces.

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The project is in pre-production (May 2026) and will be pitched at Cannes.

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Shane Kelly said the screenplay reimagines a 1990s obsession thriller, tapping into stan culture and diva worship. Director Craig Johnson said he is thrilled to collaborate with the cast and producers, describing the film as fierce, funny, and blood-spattered.

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The story examines celebrity worship, power dynamics between creators and muses, and identity fluidity, aiming to connect with audiences attuned to thriller conventions and social commentary.

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Script development finished early 2026, casting completed by mid-2026, and Cannes launch for May 2026.

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• “Craig and Ryan’s rework of the classic ‘90s obsession thriller grabbed us from the first few pages – tapping into stan culture and diva worship in an era where identity and performance are getting harder and harder to tell apart. It’s self-aware, stylish and gets just a little unhinged as it hurtles towards its shocking climax. Led by this pitch perfect cast, this is a film that will be deliciously relevant for a generation that’s fluent in how to be their own main character.” — Shane Kelly, SVP International Sales & Acquisitions, Mister Smith Entertainment

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• “I am thrilled to be collaborating with Carrie, Ben and Lukas and my friends at Mighty Engine, Mister Smith, Unapologetic and Working Barn on this deranged and delicious film, written in a passionate fever with my dear friend, Ryan O’Connell. Get ready for a fierce, funny and blood-spattered good time at the movies.” — Craig Johnson, Director & Co-writer

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Mister Smith Entertainment will present the film at the Cannes market to launch international sales; U.S. rights are co-represented by CAA and UTA.

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